MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas ended its 2014 FIBA World Cup bid on a positive note, outlasting a pesky Senegal squad in overtime, 81-79, for its first win in the world stage in about 40 years.
Jimmy Alapag made a big splash in his final international game, unloading 18 points and sinking crucial free throws in the extension period to help the Filipinos go home with their heads held high after a thrilling affair Thursday night in Seville, Spain.
Gilas went toe-to-toe with Senegal in overtime without Andray Blatche, who fouled out in the period after leading the Philippines for most of the game with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Senegalese players threatened the Filipinos all the way with key baskets from Mouhammad Faye, who topscored for his team with 20 points.
June Mar Fajardo had a breakout game with 15 markers to fuel the cause of the Filipinos, who likewise got solid support from LA Tenorio, Paul Lee and Japeth Aguilar.
The Phl thus ends its World Cup stint with a record of 1-4, dropping close decisions to Croatia, Argentina and Puerto Rico while standing its ground against a taller Greece squad.
The win over Senegal was the Phl's first since beating Central African Republic, 87-86, in 1974. The Filipinos have since gone on an 11-game losing skid.
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