Finally.
After a string of heartbreaking defeats, the Philippine national men’s basketball team remained poised in the endgame to survive Senegal in overtime, 81-79, and wrap up its historic FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign Thursday in Seville, Spain.
The result was the Filipinos’ first victory in the world stage in 40 years.
Team captain Jimmy Alapag and naturalized star Andray Blatche scored 18 points apiece as well as drained clutch baskets down the stretch to finally nail the elusive triumph for Gilas Pilipinas.
June Mar Fajardo also had an impressive performance after posting 15 points and nine rebounds, as well as injecting hustle and energy off the bench for the Filipinos.
Just like in their earlier games, the Filipinos faltered in the endgame and failed to secure the victory right away as they allowed Senegal to come back from a 15-point deficit and force overtime.
Without Blatche who fouled out in overtime, Ranidel De Ocampo, Fajardo and Alapag sank free throws in the endgame to clinch the elusive victory for the Filipinos.
The Filipinos waxed hot in the second period, launching a 17-0 run fueled by triples from Paul Lee, Alapag and the impressive effort of Fajardo down low to take a 37-24 lead at the break.
But Senegal unleashed a pesky fullcourt press defense in the second half, allowing the Africans to inch close and take the lead, 61-60, with 2:30 remaining in the game.
Fajardo made a crucial dunk, while Blatche sank a layup to give Gilas Pilipinas a 64-61 lead with 1:23 left. But Senegal sank a trey with 33 ticks lef to tie the game at 64-all.
LA Tenorio had a chance to take away the victory in regulation, but his floater just hit the rim as time expired, forcing the game to overtime.
Senegal threatened to hand another heartbreak to Filipinos in overtime after Xane Dalmeida drained a triple to open overtime for a 67-64 lead.
Tempers then flared as Alapag fell down hard on the floor, forcing an unsportsmanlike foul to Senegal. After the play, players from both teams engaged in a little shoving incident.
That didn’t prevent Gilas Pilipinas from gaining the momentum, as an Alapag split and a Blatche dunk put the Filipinos back on top, 69-67.
Senegal countered and made four unanswered points to regain the lead, 71-69, with 1:55 remaining. But Fajardo made a slam, then De Ocampo sank free throws to give Gilas Pilipinas a 73-69 lead.
After failed three-pointers, Fajardo and Alapag went on to nail free throws on the other end as Gilas Pilipians grabbed a 77-71 lead with 45 seconds left.
Maurice Ndour drained a triple to keep Senegal within three, but Alapag drained crucial free throws down the end to keep Senegal at bay.
After the World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas heads to South Korea for the Asian Games in Incheon where the team will try to end the country’s drought for a medal.
(Photo credit: Photo of Gilas bench by Agence France Presse)
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