The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas tipped its hat to the Wael Arakji-led Cedars for a great game on Friday morning (Manila time) in Zouk Mikael.
In a tightly-contested match in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, shorthanded Lebanon stunned a loaded Gilas team in thrilling fashion, 85-81.
“Congratulations to Lebanon for winning a very close match. It was a good fight all the way,” read the statement of the SBP, congratulating its Lebanese counterpart.
The SBP continued by saying that it was proud of the stand put up by the Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto-led Gilas.
This was the first time the national team fielded a team that had both the Utah and Adelaide player joining the PBA and B.League players, as well as a collegiate star in Carl Tamayo.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“We commend our Gilas team for a strong showing for the first game they played together on the international stage,” continued the statement as Gilas had suffered routs at the hands of the Tall Blacks and Japan also this year. “They played at a higher level, displaying talent, aggressiveness, an improved defensive mindset, and a lot of heart in never giving up until the very end against one of FIBA’s toughest teams. The team’s chemistry and cohesiveness will only continue to improve the more they play together.
“We believe our team will use this experience to compete even more fiercely come the 2023 World Cup. We remain committed to supporting and harnessing the potential of this team so we can win against the best.”
Lebanon went up to 4-1 in Group E and is in line to make it to next year’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Gilas fell to 2-3 with the two wins coming at the expense of lowly India.
Next for Gilas is Saudi Arabia (1-4) on Monday. And the SBP is hoping for support from the fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“The team appreciates the support of its countrymen as it strives to do better and perform better on the world stage, especially in the upcoming match with Saudi Arabia on August 29 here in the Philippines, our home court. Patuloy natin silang suportahan sa ang kanilang laban para sa bayan!”
