By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
It was the kind of victory that reverberated back home in the wee hours of a Thursday morning: Gilas Pilipinas stunning world No. 6 Latvia, 89-80, in the 2024 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga.
The massive triumph was one for the ages. Not only was it the country’s first win against a European team in an official FIBA competition since beating Spain, 84-82, in the 1960 Olympics, but it also inched them closer to the Philippines’ ambitious bid of gaining a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics slated late this month.
Never mind if fans stayed up late to catch the game — or missed it completely because of the early schedule — Filipinos flooded the social media with praises and congratulations as soon as the news broke out.
Different sports personalities also shared their sentiments for the momentous game.
“Wattagame! Great offense, better defense. Excellent coaching by @manilacone,” former Gilas coach Chot Reyes posted on his Instagram stories, referring to Gilas head coach Tim Cone.
“Letsss goooo!” wrote Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, who played for Gilas a number of times including in the 2018 Asian Games, the 2022 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“Shocking the world. Defying the odds… Congrats Gilas! Kabayan Brownlee to the rescue again. Tim Cone was masterful. MABUHAY!” former PBA commissioner Noli Eala said on X (formerly Twitter).
Even sports journalists couldn’t hide being awestruck with the victory only few predicted.
“If you know anything about Tim Cone, you are not surprised by the Philippines winning today. The basketball-maddest country has to be going insane (even though it’s like the middle of the night),” wrote AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds on X.
“Beating Latvia in Latvia at an Olympic Qualifying Tournament… that’s the most impressive win in the modern history of Philippine basketball. No matter what Gilas does from here, this one is legendary,” said journalist Rafe Bartholomew, who has written a book called ‘Pacific Rims’ which depicted the country’s obsession with basketball.
“Gilas made the impossible possible, bringing down Latvia before a shocked home crowd! Biggest win ever by the Philippines on the global stage!” wrote veteran sports journalist Quinito Henson.
The victory may just be a first step to an uphill climb to the Olympics — they needed a win against Georgia or a loss by less than 18 points to advance to the semis — but it was a giant leap to the basketball-crazed nation hungry to see Filipino dribblers competing in the biggest sports stage in the world.
