Lighthouse

     They did not disappoint.  What was billed as an epic battle was indeed just that.  The capacity crowd, filled with Filipinos and a small, dedicated group of Persians, were left cheering, shouting and shaking their heads in disbelief.  After all, the finish typified the struggle both teams faced the entire game.    Even clutch free throws from Nikkhah Bahrami could not close out the feisty Pinoys, as Mahram watched with clenched teeth as Gilas attempted two open threes that would've tied the game.  Smart Gilas Pilipinas and Mahram Iran battled, scraped and fought for 40 hard minutes and in the end, the result, an 80-77 win by Mahram was only as important as the war that preceded it.  


High Lights


1.  What was most gratifying to see in the game was the effort from both teams.  Many detractors have pointed out that this wasn't the Olympic qualifier; a victory here would not add to the Olympic chances of either team.  Yet, on the court, both teams gave literally everything they've got and in that way, gave honor to the game of basketball that often times has been tarnished by betting and cash.  

2.  Iran, as expected, was very disciplined, very athletic and very big, but apparently, no one told Smart Gilas that.  Gilas today showed a swagger, a confidence and a certain defiance and it showed on the court.  Gone are the blank looks of confusion and shock from the other Philippine teams of the past.  Today there were only intense, passionate looks and it translated into the superb play the crowd witnessed.



3.  Gilas stuck to the system even in the toughest of times.  Whether they were trailing or leading Gilas kept going to the system of plays they've been practicing for 2 years, and this is the key to their unbelievable resilience.  Because they kept playing disciplined ball, Gilas was able to overhaul big leads which will serve them in good stead in the future.  This type of discipline comes not only because of the great coaching staff, but also a line up of players who understand that no one is more important than the team and the country.


Low Lights


1.  My newest friend Amin and the rest of the "Proud Persians," as expected were in full vocal force today.  I was more than a little surprised that the organizers sent at least 7 police officers to their section.  I know it's for everyone's protection, but I felt sad that there is a lack of trust in the common man that we had to do this.  Organizers did what they had to to keep everyone safe is what I'm saying; I just wish we didn't have to.  I'm afraid it might have made our visitors feel unwelcome. It's also disappointing to see and hear people verbally attack the Persians with foul language.  In any place, in any time there is always no room for foul language.

2.  With Gilas trailing by 7 with about a minute to go, I was disappointed to see groups of "fans" leaving the arena already.  They didn't witness the best part of the game.  Gilas fought back, with captain Chris Tiu nailing 5 straight points to close the gap to two.  The final possession was a tense one for Iran as Gilas had two unmolested attempts to force the game into overtime.  It's disappointing because Gilas deserves better treatment than that.  The hard work, the effort and the sacrifices they made even just for this game, should have been more than enough to earn everyone's respect.  The least we can do as FIlipinos is stay until the end and applaud them, win or lose.


     Lighthouses are relatively mundane structures for most, but they are life savers for lost travelling ships.  Tonight's game, Gilas' effort and performance tonight is one such lighthouse. As Gilas continues their journey and mission to make the country proud, tonight is the lighthouse they can look for.  As we FIlipinos continue to cheer and hope to find long-lost basketball greatness, tonight is the lighthouse we can look for.  Because tonight, Smart Gilas Pilipinas stood against Asia's best and announced to the entire continent, "We are your equals, and we will not go quietly into the night."