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.
Not since 2007 has a non-Middle East team made it to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, and it figures that Smart Gilas, the team that could, is the one who made it. Trailing by as many as 15, Gilas summoned the courage and resiliency I've been saying (for the past 2 years) they have to rattle off a searing run, capped by a Chris Tiu 3 pointer and a Japeth Aguilar 3-point play to seize the lead from Al-Jalaa Syria. Then, they never looked back and held on to make history, beating Syria, 85-80.
Finally getting into the Phil Sports Arena early, I got to talking to some of the spectators and it was truly a rewarding experience.
Getting into the Iran-Saudi Arabia game at the 3rd quarter, I notice rabid cheering for the defending champs and I'm startled to see the score show a 25 point lead. Judging by the noise, I would've thought the score was a lot closer. I then fix my eyes on the source of all the excitement. I meet Amin, a college student, just one of the close to 50 "Proud Persians" in the lower box stands, cheering lustily for their dominant team. During a timeout, we get to talking and Amin was a blast to talk with. "It doesn't matter if they win or not; if they're champion or not," explains Amin when I ask him about Iran's chances in the tournament. "They are heroes and we support them with our last breath."
