Gilas wins memorable match against Senegal, 81-79
Joseph Emmanuel G. Orcine
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The Filipino Watchdog 8:23 PM | Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
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40 years in the making.
The Philippines finally tasted their first victory in 40 years at the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships in Spain as they threw shots over Senegal, winning the match in overtime, 81-79.
Senegal started off the game with a blast as they led against GilasPilipinas in the first quarter 19-13, while Gilas caught up with the match as they secured the lead in the halftime 37-24. Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP June Mar Fajardo came in like a wrecking ball scoring 5 points, 5 rebounds with two assists and two steals during that quarter.
With four minutes left in the third quarter, Gilas continued the nine-point lead 44-35. Fajardo continued to shoot two free throws with a shot scored by Jeff Chan, but Senegal fought back hard closing Gilas’ lead to 48-44, whilst another free throw was earned by Blatche as third quarter concluded with 49-44.
As the fourth quarter kicked in, the action became more intense as Alapag improved the team Philippines’ standing in a match scoring four points in a 53-44 lead. Senegal caught up fast gaining a nine-point play, once again cutting the deficit to just three. The last minute became the most forceful move for Senegal as they hooped in more scores, Gilas still leading at 64-61. With just a little 30 seconds left, the score tied at 64. LA Tenorio missed a shot as he failed to beat the buzzer, resulting in overtime.
The Philippine team outscored Senegal in the overtime period as Gilas team captain Jimmy Alapag played his last game for the national team in this match. Alapag never failed to impress Filipino basketball fans as he was able to throw in 18 points, with the last three resulting into victory in overtime.
The Philippines’ victory against Senegal was the first in the World Cup since it last won in 1974 against Central African Republic, 87-86. Several fans and netizens lauded PH’s performance in FIBA games after emerging in a triumph.
The Philippines finally tasted their first victory in 40 years at the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships in Spain as they threw shots over Senegal, winning the match in overtime, 81-79.
Senegal started off the game with a blast as they led against GilasPilipinas in the first quarter 19-13, while Gilas caught up with the match as they secured the lead in the halftime 37-24. Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP June Mar Fajardo came in like a wrecking ball scoring 5 points, 5 rebounds with two assists and two steals during that quarter.
With four minutes left in the third quarter, Gilas continued the nine-point lead 44-35. Fajardo continued to shoot two free throws with a shot scored by Jeff Chan, but Senegal fought back hard closing Gilas’ lead to 48-44, whilst another free throw was earned by Blatche as third quarter concluded with 49-44.
As the fourth quarter kicked in, the action became more intense as Alapag improved the team Philippines’ standing in a match scoring four points in a 53-44 lead. Senegal caught up fast gaining a nine-point play, once again cutting the deficit to just three. The last minute became the most forceful move for Senegal as they hooped in more scores, Gilas still leading at 64-61. With just a little 30 seconds left, the score tied at 64. LA Tenorio missed a shot as he failed to beat the buzzer, resulting in overtime.
The Philippine team outscored Senegal in the overtime period as Gilas team captain Jimmy Alapag played his last game for the national team in this match. Alapag never failed to impress Filipino basketball fans as he was able to throw in 18 points, with the last three resulting into victory in overtime.
The Philippines’ victory against Senegal was the first in the World Cup since it last won in 1974 against Central African Republic, 87-86. Several fans and netizens lauded PH’s performance in FIBA games after emerging in a triumph.