Gilas Pilipinas wins bronze over China

The Gilas Pilipinas national team showed tremendous heart to win the bronze medal in the 5th FIBA Asia Cup with a 80-79 victory over home team China on Saturday (July 18) in Wuhan.

Rain or Shine star Paul Lee, playing in his first international tournament, calmly made three free throws with no time remaining to lift the Philippines to victory.

By placing third, the Philippines had its best finish in the tournament where it had been fourth in the 2010 and 2012 editions.

China, bannered by a new generation of young and tall players, took charge early, opening up a 22-12 spread late in the first period.

But the smaller Gilas squad inched closer, taking a momentary lead before China regained the upper hand, 62-60, heading into the final period.

China took command once again with an 8-2 run to open the fourth quarter for a 70-62 edge. Moments later, Gu Quan pushed the Chinese lead to nine, 75-66.

But instead of folding, Gilas fought back, scoring five straight points to threaten to within four, 75-71, with three minutes left.

The onslaught continued for the Philippines, which cut the deficit to a single basket, 77-75, after a layup and-one from Japeth Aquilar with 1:29 remaining.

After foiling China anew, LA Tenorio tied the score at 77-all with a teardrop with just 55 seconds in the game.

Chinese sharpshooter Kelanbaike Makan came right back with two free throws to put his team back up, 79-77, with 41.1 seconds left.

Tenorio had a chance to become the hero for the Philippines, but missed a three-point attempt in Gilas' next possession.

Wang Zirui drew a foul on Ranidel De Ocampo in China's next play, but missed both free throws. After fighting for the rebound, Gilas found Lee down the court, where he was able to draw the foul with no time left on a three-point attempt.

There might have been a sense of deja vu for Lee, who was coming off a grueling Governors' Cup finals series before travelling with the team to China, in that final play. In Game One of the title series against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, the stalwart from Tondo also tried to draw a foul on the final play from behind the arc against Marc Pingris. Referees during that game, however, did not blow a whistle.

Thankfully for Pinoy basketball fans, the referees working the game against China decided there was a foul on Lee's final shot this time, giving him the opportunity to win the game for the Philippines.

De Ocampo led Gilas with 18 points, while Tenorio chipped in 12. Naturalized center Marcus Douthit held the fort against China's taller frontline, grabbing 22 rebounds alongside 10 points. — JST, GMA News