Last week, PBA fans witnessed history unfold as the Gilas Pilipinas put the country back in the world basketball map by beating South Korea in the semifinals of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship held at the Mall of Asia Arena from August 1- 11. It was perhaps the biggest day in the history of Philippine basketball as the Gilas squad defeated the Koreans 86-79 behind the hot hands of skipper Jimmy Alapag.
For years, the Koreans have been a thorn on the side of the Philippine basketball team. In the Asian basketball scene, Korea denied Team Philippines of several chances to glory. In the 2002 Asian Games, Cho Sang Min's buzzer beating three point shot broke the heart of many Filipinos. It denied the Philippines the bronze medal. In the 2011 Wuhan FIBA Asia Championship, it was another three point shot that dashed the Filipino's hopes of making it to the 2012 World Championships.
With those stinging losses still fresh in the mind of Gilas Pilipinas, Team Philippines engaged the Koreans in a tight battle until the end. At first, it looked like history would repeat itself as Korea stormed to a two point lead 75-73 behind the hot hands of Kim Mingoo who led a Korean comeback from 10 points down. Skipper Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo then took charge and gave Gilas a five point cushion at 84-79.Kim Mingoo had another open look but Gabe Norwood blocked his shot and Marc Pingris sealed the win with a follow-up of a Castro miss. The Filipinos finally defeated the Koreans. With that win, they make a return trip to the FIBA World Championships.
It was mission accomplished for Gilas Pilipinas. Although they fell to Haddadi and company in the Finals 85-71, they finished off what they wanted in the first place and that is book a seat in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Iran bagged the gold but the silver medal of Gilas Pilipinas glittered like gold for the Filipinos. It was the fruit of a decades long dream of playing in the big stage.
So see you in Spain Team Philippines!
With those stinging losses still fresh in the mind of Gilas Pilipinas, Team Philippines engaged the Koreans in a tight battle until the end. At first, it looked like history would repeat itself as Korea stormed to a two point lead 75-73 behind the hot hands of Kim Mingoo who led a Korean comeback from 10 points down. Skipper Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo then took charge and gave Gilas a five point cushion at 84-79.Kim Mingoo had another open look but Gabe Norwood blocked his shot and Marc Pingris sealed the win with a follow-up of a Castro miss. The Filipinos finally defeated the Koreans. With that win, they make a return trip to the FIBA World Championships.
It was mission accomplished for Gilas Pilipinas. Although they fell to Haddadi and company in the Finals 85-71, they finished off what they wanted in the first place and that is book a seat in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Iran bagged the gold but the silver medal of Gilas Pilipinas glittered like gold for the Filipinos. It was the fruit of a decades long dream of playing in the big stage.
So see you in Spain Team Philippines!
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