I was doing this piece early even as Gilas was scheduled to take on the hosts at 8-m (Ph time) n the semis of the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou, China.
Wonder if you guys had naughty thoughts that some people out there wanted Iran to win and thwart the championship aspirations of the Filipinos.
Although many fouls were committed against a Gilas player handling the ball and going for the basket, the three game officials seemed to have gone blind.
Did you guys observe that for a long spell – while the Iranis were frantically trying to catch up and overhaul the 21 point deficit in the fourth period – that not one foul against Iran was called particularly when Justin Brownlee was on his way to the hoop?
JB had been complaining to the refs against arm contacts but he was ignored. Good thing, he was not slapped a technical for too much complaining.
It was pure luck that Gilas survived the furious Iran rally capped by several three pointers to wrest the lead 81-80.
Maybe Somebody up there did not like the sinister plot that will prevent China from engaging anew their erstwhile tormentors in the recent FIBA World Cup. Yeah, they were scared to lose before the hometown crowd.
Anyway, I trusted that Tim Cone knew what he was doing and trusted still JB that he would deliver the goods.
I commiserate with the defeated Iranian team members, some of whom were seen on video wiping away their tears, crying unabashedly after the final buzzer sounded.
Now, as you are reading this, the results of the semifinal clash have been known and I hope Gilas is the one smiling, going to the finals.
Again, my question: Supposing Jordan turns back Chinese Taipei in the other semis and meets the Philippines for all the marbles in the finals, would that not be a scary prospect?
Remember, Gilas lost by a huge 25-point margin to the Rondae Hollis Jefferson-led Jordan squad in the group stage.
Cone should welcome a return bout to avenge that sorrowful loss and clinch the gold, which is going to be sweet and monumental.
I bet JB, JunMar and Scottie et al would also love to square off with the TNT import again and get a chance for a revenge win.
Hah, this is really the ideal picture I want to paint for you guys.
‘Kailangan makaganti tayo.’
But first Cone and Gilas must take care of their (in)hospitable hosts, hehe. Good luck. May God bless you more! (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
