This rivalry between Philippines and Korea has been one of the best games that FIBA Asia would have. Ever since from the start when these two teams collide you would expect one of the most thrilling games you will ever see.
Philippines men's basketball would always come up short when they are facing South Korea. And history tells it all from heart breaking loss to those controversial scenarios.
But this time it was different when the Philippine team would be relentless. Playing with a big heart and a hunger to peel off from those bitter past short comings.
For the past encounters between this two nations heart breaking loss are always felt by the Filipinos. All those bitter and heart fainting loss before just flashed out from my head.
Those memories were in clutch and crucial moments that could make your mouth shiver. How many times did South Korea bash the Filipino mens basketball team with in your face defeats. And for this game I thought it would be the same ending.
As soon as the game started the Philippines were troubled and were facing tremendous pressure. Naturalize player Marcus Douthit was forced to sit on the bench due to his injury as early as the first quarter. Other big men of the Philippines were also facing mild injuries such as De Ocampo and Pingris.
But the team played all out and gave all what they have. A very exciting game from start to finish neither each team would not give up. Both team would showcase their respond to whatever the opponent would bring into the court. From 3 points to jump shots and even blitz fast break points both of them would implement that.
The Philippine team being undersized would try to tight up their defense. Marc Pingris would take those rebounds while limping with his injury. While Jason Castro would set on an offensive blaze and rally to give Gilas the lead.
On the ending part of the game more comrades from Gilas would step up and contirbute. Ranidel De Ocampo would be the coolest guy that would execute his offense. Every play he makes would be as smooth as he make his offense work.
South Korea would hang on and could convert a 4 point play courtesy of Kim Min-Goo(#4) so the score is 73-72 in the dying minutes of the 4th quarter. And then Gilas could not answer back with their own play while a fast break dunk was executed by LEE SJ. So when the Koreans took the lead(74-73) and all I can say was that "Here we go again..... a choke ending".
On the returning play of Gilas they still can't convert and a foul was called on Pingris. Lee Seung-Jun(#14) would split his free throws so the score would be 75-73. Silence was felt inside the arena and seemingly worried faces are a common sight.
But In respond with the score 75-73 Mark Pingris shot that was suppose to be a goal tending. Instead the officials would not count it and Gilas would have the ball possession.
After the inbound Alapag would drill a 3 point shot after a successful screen that would give Gilas a 1 point lead. 75-76. But South Korea would respond at the other end when Kim Tae-Sool(#7) made his jump shot giving Korea another lead 77-76.
Ranidel De Ocampo would once again contribute after making a successful layup now the score is 78-77 in favor of Gilas. On the returning play Pingris would steal the ball after the Koreans failed to make a shot. On the other hand De Ocampo would drill a 3 point bomb after that steal giving Gilas a 4 point lead. 81-77.
Chants roar over the arena as fans jump off their feet with excitement. Excellent back to back play made by De Ocampo on defense and on offense.
With 1:14 mins left Yang Donggeun would be fouled on the returning play that would easily make his two free throws. (81-77)
1:10 mins left and 6 seconds on the shot clock remaining. Bang! Jimmy Alapag would sink a cold blooded 3 point bomb stretching the lead and the score would be to 84-79.
Korea could not make another play on the returning end and from that moment broken hopes just vanished. As Jason Castro would cruise his way but would miss his layup. But Mark Pingris would clean his garbage and put back an easy two points.
An epic and classic ending that redeemed the nationals and brought both the players and fans to tears. But those tears weren't meant for sorrow endings but tears of joy and redemption.
Now Philippines would be participating the 2014 World cup so see you in Spain! :)
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