Freddy Ibrahim thrives amid hostile crowd in Jordan loss to Gilas

Jordan’s Freddy Ibrahim during a game vs Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines— Jordan sniper Freddy Ibrahim was one of the squad’s silver linings in its 82-81 overtime loss to Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.

The hometown crowd was loud and raucous, but even the monumental noise didn’t faze Ibrahim from giving Gilas some headaches.

In fact, the jeers only seemed to fire up the trusty shooter.

“Honestly, I love playing away for some reason,” he told the Inquirer. “I wouldn’t say there was an added motivation but more so, we need a win and try to qualify for the World Cup at the end of the day.”

“It was a good game, it went into overtime and I’m sure it was fun for the crowd. Obviously, it’s tougher for us now moving forward but this was fun.”

Ibrahim caught fire from the field with 22 points, built on four 3-pointers, while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

The 29-year-old swingman, who also finished with five assists, four rebounds and four steals, picked up the slack for Jalen Harris, who struggled to find his footing in the fourth quarter.

Harris finished with 19 points on a lowly 6-for-22 shooting night.

Despite that, Ibrahim’s efforts helped Jordan put up a fight before the Philippines’ Kevin Quiambao dropped the dagger in overtime.

Jordan looks to bounce back in a big way on Sunday when it takes on undefeated Australia at the same venue, before Gilas faces Iran.