At last, Gilas Pilipinas wins over Senegal
Jimmy Alapag saved the best for last as he led Gilas Pilipinas into a historic 81-79 win over Senegal in FIBA World Cup 2014 in Seville, Spain Thursday.
Alapag had 18 points, including a three-pointer plus a free-throw at in one of the crucial stretches, while naturalized center Andray Blatche added 18 points to help Gilas Pilipinas to stay close against the rampaging Senegal. This is Alapag’s last game as part of the Philippine National Basketball team.
The win over Senegal was the first victory of the Philippines in the world basketball in 40 years. Moreover, it was a win that provides a relief to the team, losing close games decided in the last minute.
When it was down to the last position of the regulation with seven seconds left, the Philippines had a chance to win but LA Tenorio missed the possible victory shot as time expired.
In overtime, Gilas Pilipinas played with heart through Blatche who drained shots before he fouled out of the game. Gilas Pilipinas went on the clinched the game in overtime through aggressive plays of Ranidel De Ocampo, June Mar Fajardo and Alapag. Once again, Fajardo had one of his big nights as he scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Gilas Pilipinas started the game at low key but they pulled off a 17-0 run throgh Paul Lee’s three-pointers. Moreover, the defense of Gilas was totally at its best forcing turnovers that translated to fastbreaks.
The Filipinos lead even increased to 15 points. However, Senegal was determined to get the win so that they would enter into the next round as they put on a defensive schemes by pressuring the ball carrier of Gilas Pilipinas. Senegal’s defense was effective that they capitalized it by getting back the lead in the fourth quarter.
