No broken hearts out here
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Aug 2018
FOR lack of a better term, we all had to call the Philippine National team?s gallant finish against super power China a heartbreaking loss.
The Nationals finished the Asian Games thriller against super power China behind 80-82, but the gutsy Filipino warriors did not look any bit shaken or beaten.
They simply failed to score a win; but at the same time got widely celebrated.
**
?I?m very happy with their efforts,? said national coach Yeng Guiao. ?They gave it their all, I could?ve not asked for more.?
The rugged, blazing contest was tighter than the final count indicated.
There were, in fact, pre-game fears the Nationals, hastily formed, could get blown off the court.
Racing back from a 10-point deficit in the first half, the shorter Filipinos, played sharp, speedy, gutsy ball, while sacrificing everything in defense, to finally take the lead in the closing seconds.
Certified slinger Paul Lee missed an open three-pointer from the far left at the buzzer to the relief of the beleaguered Chinese team.
**
There was regret, of course; but definitely no miserable scene on the Philippine bench.
On the other hand, there was a grab shot of Chinese basketball association head Yao Ming, visibly shaken, his face a mask of grief.
Just like many others, the Chinese giant who did great in the NBA, was obviously at a loss on how the Filipinos could?ve transformed into a world beater overnight.
They definitely overdid themselves.
But a more fitting accolade should be: How did coach Guiao do it?
**
Guiao singled out the NBA?s Jordan Clarkson, son of a Filipina from Angeles City, for a superb all-around prowess. But he continued to swoon over the National team?s dedication and solidarity.
It will be a totally different ballgame against Korea on Monday.
Before the China match, Guiao made a fervent vow that they would be ready for everything. He cited the relative slowness of the Chinese big men as their most tangible weakness.
Now, Guiao sees in Korea, speedier and smarter opposing team.
The Nationals no doubt were able to play as tall as the Chinese.
He?s not saying it, but coach Yeng should be able to again motivate and weave patriotic magic against Korea on Monday.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Technological evolution or revolution?
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Result or Matias-Smith WBC super lightweight title match purse bid
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Vicelles fights in Japan on Sept. 7
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Yoelvis Gomez Speaks After Winning the WBA Continental Latin America Title
Wed, 03 Sep 2025Connor Coyle sets the record straight ‘Clean from Day One. Never cheated, never will’
Wed, 03 Sep 2025Requito stops Bambam in 3rd round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Pacman back into full-time boxing
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
Tue, 02 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 31 August 2025
By Eric Armit, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Gaballo, Laurente prevail in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Paalam leads ABAP team in Liverpool
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Sep 2025