SWEET REVENGE FOR GILAS-PILIPINAS ON THE KOREANS AND THE WORLD CUP ENTRY
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Aug 2013
Gilas-Pilipinas team captain Jimmy Alapag delivered the insurance three-pointers in the final quarter that assured the Philippines of a victory against South Korea, 86-79 last night during the 27th FIBA Asia Championships at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The big win guaranteed the Philippines of a slot at the FIBA World Cup 2014 in Spain.
It was sweet revenge for the Philippines who were frustrated several times by South Korea for years in many Asian tournaments. And the curse just ended last night when we won over Korea in a major tournament for the first time since 1986.
Marcus Douthit went out of the game limping in the second quarter with his right calf injury never to return to the game. Marc Pingris took over the role of a big man putting in 16 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
Gilas tasted the lead 13-10 in the first quarter. They regained the lead in the third quarter, 40-39, behind the scoring of Jayson William.
Pilipinas led by nine, 65-56, entering into the fourth quarter. But the Koreans grabbed the driver's seat with less than four minutes to go. From then on it was a see-saw affair for both teams.
Ranidel De Ocampo and Alapag saved the Philippines from another imminent frustrating defeat by pouring in the clutch baskets when the Koreans diffused the double-digit Gilas lead in the last stanza of the crucial game.
Alapag had 14 points, and he made the baskets when it was needed most. De Ocampo also delivered five points to give the Philippines the advantage when it seemed the Koreans were out to disappoint us again.
?To tell you the truth, up to now I don?t know how we did it. We just kept fighting,? said Gilas coach Chot Reyes as quoted by interAKTV. ?They had to carry us out of that court.?
Reyes and most of the players were in tears when the final buzzer sounded signaling the entry of the Philippines to the world championships. The last time the country joined the world tournament was when it was held in Manila in 1978.
Gilas Pilipinas will face undefeated Iran tonight in the finals to try to win the crown. The big fighting heart and the wild cheers of the jampacked crowd will again motivate our boys for the title.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025