CRYING TIME - VIVA PILIPINAS!

Emotions ran high at MOA arena last night. Filipinos watching on TV were ecstatic. Tears gushed forth and rolled over cheery faces as Gilas Pilipinas defeated the usually big and power-laden South Korea heading to the FIBA Asia Championship finals this evening and earned a ticket to be on board competing in FIBA World Cup next year, win or lose in a knockout game against Iran in a matter of hours from now. 

It looked like the Gilas is the best combination of PBA players from different franchises that could be put together as a Philippine team to compete in this year’s FIBA Asia. The ball movement and chemistry is outstanding. Field goal success even by natural shooters seemed to have the back up of prayers. The members of the playing team complement each other. And Coach Chot Reyes finds it easy to flow with the rhythm the whole game and during struggling moments to regain momentum to their side. No jewel wants to shine on its own, hence no one felt left behind. The Gilas is indeed a team in itself, one and solid heart to carry the flag. 

The Philippines-South Korea duel was touching, classic and historic. Probably some fans have even dreamt about it and woke up this morning still animated. 

But what is noteworthy about the Gilas Pilipinas is that there is no “superstar” player in the squad because “superstars” were allegedly not allowed by their respective PBA team owners or by the PBA itself as a league for fear that they might inflict injuries along the way or for some “magnanimous” reasons only known to them. 

Now that the Filipino people is in a huge celebration and in the event that the Philippine team would beat Iran tonight to win the crown, will the “unselfish” leadership of PBA and the “unselfish” management of PBA “superstars” have the right to jump for joy together with the whole nation? 

A great lesson is learned here and one truth stands out lucent to remind us of the Good Book: 

“I looked throughout the earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle.” - Ecclesiastes 9:11 (TLB) 

“It’s not by might nor by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts – you will succeed because of my Spirit though you are few and weak.” - Zechariah 4:6 (TLB) 

SWEET REVENGE FOR GILAS-PILIPINAS ON THE KOREANS AND THE WORLD CUP ENTRY

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.