Gilas Pilipinas went without NBA star Jordan Clarkson against hot-shooting Mexico on Monday, Aug. 21, on the third and last of the Nationals’ preparatory friendlies leading up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and paid the price.

Forcing Gilas into seven turnovers in the third quarter alone -- Mexico, bracketed in the Group Phase with Montenegro, Egypt, and Lithuania -- broke ahead from 51-all at the half to open a 69-63 lead going to the final 10 minutes, which it never relinquished.

An AJ Edu basket halfway in the fourth quarter allowed Gilas Pilipinas to come within 72-69, but the Nationals missed four straight chances to creep even closer, and the Mexicans, steady even under pressure, quashed the threat with free throws or outside baskets down the stretch.

Time and again, Mexico appeared to elicit a struggle from Gilas Pilipinas in setting up its first shot, which on numerous occasions led to a hurried attempt with the shot clock about to expire, most notably in the closing minutes of the game.

Deadshot Pako Cruz led Mexico with 18 points, including four triples, Paul Stoll added 17 with five treys, Fabian Jaimes had 15, and wide-bodied Josh Ibarra had 12 with nine rebounds.

The Mexicans were 13-of-24 in 3-point shots overall compared to Gilas Pilipinas’ 7-of-23.

Scottie Thompson had 14 points for the Nationals, but no other had more than nine after RR Pogoy and Dwight Ramos. Jamie Malonzo and Kai Sotto had eight points apiece, Kiefer Ravena got seven, June Mar Fajardo and Chris Newsome got six each, CJ Perez got four, and Japeth Aguilar and Edu both got three points.

Clarkson, of the Utah Jazz, had requested for a break after playing the entire first half and the first four minutes of the third quarter in the Philippines’ 85-62 victory over FIBA Africa qualifier Ivory Coast last Friday.

He then stayed in the game for 29:39 minutes during a bruising 102-87 defeat to world No. 18 Montenegro of FIBA Europe two days after.

Just before the tune-up game against Mexico, Clarkson sat down with Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio for a talk.

“He just needed a rest,” said Antonio, who dispelled any fears Clarkson has suffered an injury or whether his stint in the World Cup might be in any kind of jeopardy.

“Nothing like that,” assured Antonio. “He really just wanted to rest.”

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes carried the same line. “Kailangan lang niya ng pahinga,” he said.