JAKARTA, Indonesia - Abot-kamay na ng Smart Gilas Pilipinas ang semifinals ngunit nakawala pa at naging daan para sa desenteng pagtatapos na ikalimang posisyon sa 20th FIBA-Asia Champions Cup sa Britama Arena dito.
Ngunit bukod sa disenteng pagtatapos, humugot ng mas malaking respeto ang mga Pinoy.
“Initially, we came here to reach the quarterfinals. But after winning three games (in the eliminations), we wanted to be in the semifinals. We think we deserve to be there, to be in the first four teams,” ani RP’s Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
“But you know, there are some things we have no control of. But the way this team is playing, the way we are fighting for the Philippine country and the Philippine flag is really amazing.”
Tinapos ng Nationals ang kanilang solidong kampanya sa 9-day tourney na ito nang payukurin nila ang Satria Muda ng host Indonesia, 112-107 sa overtime.
Uuwi ng bansa ang Nationals upang magpahinga at ilang araw lamang ay tutungo naman sa Japan para sa 4-game exhibition series. (Joey Villar)