One last push for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — Amid growing frustrations and backlash from knowledgeable and demanding supporters, Gilas Pilipinas makes its final stand in the FIBA World Cup at home.

One last shot at winning the small battles. Last chance to regain goodwill from a proud, basketball-crazy nation shattered by their string of heartbreakers the past eight days.

This fight for Filipino pride takes place tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, interestingly against China (1-3), an old rival in Asian hoops and representatives of a country the Philippines is currently at odds with over the West Philippine Sea.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes said Jordan Clarkson and the rest of the troops fully understand what’s on the line in the 8 p.m. encounter with Team Dragon.

“We’re playing for flag and country and we’re doing this as really our way to serve the country, the Philippines,” said Reyes.

“It’s more than just about a ballgame or just a win, but it’s something larger. Hopefully, we end on a winning note, leave a lasting impression.”

In spite of the home court advantage, it’s been a rough ride for Gilas. In all their assignments so far, the Nationals and their hordes of fans watched helplessly as first-round opponents Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy and South Sudan, their opening classification phase foe, savored the spoils of battle.

The numbing losses sent the winless Filipinos out of the Asian derby for direct qualification to the Paris Olympics and likely even the race for seats to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

“There’s really no bearing, except for pride, to fight for the country, for service, which is exactly why we’re all here in the first place. No matter how difficult this job is, we’re here, we’re doing it and hopefully we can come in and play our best on Saturday,” he said.

The game had much bearing for the Dragons, who are still in play for Asia’s Olympic seat, thanks to their 83-76 breakthrough over Angola Thursday.

“They’re our rivals and they have a win in the bag. It’s our last game so we have to put everything out there to get that victory,” said Gilas center/forward AJ Edu. “We’re just going to fight, show some heart and try to get them.”

Reyes is hoping to replicate the magical ending in the 2014 WC in Spain, where Gilas averted a shutout and defeated Senegal in its final bow, 81-79, in overtime.

“We faced Senegal in our last game with no chance to advance. Same situation now but we’ll try to put everything together for one last push,” he said.