Gilas Pilipinas did play a gallant and concerted effort to bring the world’s No. 5, France, down to its knees.
The crowd – Gilas’ sixth man – did its share, too.
Too bad, France’s chemistry and experience proved too much to overcome as it dodged Gilas’ upset bid, 93-84, in the Manila leg of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Gilas did push France out of its comfort zone early, leading as much as 10 points on several razzle-dazzle plays but failed to sustain the hot start – no thanks to the dynamics between NBA star Tony Parker and Nando de Colo.
Fittingly, the biggest event the country has ever staged in years had President Duterte as the special guest.
Showing sports have special place under his administration, Duterte did not only show up but also made the ceremonial toss in the Philippines-France encounter.
Deafening chants of “Duterte! Duterte! Duterte” reverberated inside the modern sports facility moments after Duterte stepped inside the court.
De Colo, a former NBA player, led France with 27 points, while Parker, a onetime Finals MVP with the four-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, had 21 points.
Castro/Parker at the FIBA OQT. Photo courtesy of CNNPhils/Getty Images
Joffrey Lauvergne and Kim Tillie contributed 10 points apiece for France, which converted 36-of-67 shots from the field (54%) as compared to Gilas 29-of-70 (41%) – although it made 11 three-point shots.
“I want to congratulate the Philippines,” said the 6-foot-2 Parker, obviously impressed with how the Philippines competed against them. “They had a great game. You can be proud, they made it tough on us.”
Down by as many as 13 points late in the third quarter, the national team rallied back – behind the loud chants of “puso” and “defense” by the 23,000-plus supporters .
Gilas naturalized center Andray Blatche teamed up with guards Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo in the final push but their efforts fell short.
A follow up by Gabe Norwood trimmed the deficit to only four points, 81-85, with 3:15 left in the game.
But France tightened up its defensive screw, blocking Blatche’s way and forced other Gilas players to shoot from the outside with little success.
“It was a highly competitive game,” said Gilas mentor Tab Baldwin. “We felt we needed to get a good start. There’s always an issue how big an underdog we are against a team that is a big a stature as France.”
“I think Tony Parker took over midway in the second quarter, he and (Boris) Diaw really controlled the game,” he added.
Blatche led the national team with 21 points while adding eight rebounds and three steals. Romeo came off the bench with 19 points while Castro William contributed 14 points.
Blatche, who now plays in China after stints with the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, hurt his left ankle when he accidentally stepped on the foot of de Colo with 6:38 left in the third quarter.
France, a former EuroBasket champion back in 2013, took control of the third quarter as a Parker jumper put his team ahead by 13 points, 71-58, 2:53 to play in the period.
The home team started strong behind Blatche’s 14 points in the first quarter, converting 4-of-6 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from the foul line. He started his scoring with a breakaway tomahawk dunk off a turnover pass by Parker intended for Diaw.
With the score tied at 7-all, ace gunner Jeff Chan drained a three-point shot that ignited 21-11 run, thus giving the national team 10-point spread, 28-1, with 1:07 left in the opening period.
The first frame ended with the Filipinos leading the French squad, 30-22.
France came charging back in the second quarter as Parker joined hands with de Colo for a 9-0 run that gave them a 46-44 lead.
The loss put Gilas in must-win situation when it plays New Zealand today.
A win by Gilas today and another victory by France – also against New Zealand – tomorrow would send the Nationals to the semis on Saturday.
In one of his first public appearances since taking office last week, the country’s 16th chief executive quietly observed from courtside alongside SM boss Hans Sy, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan, FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann, Rep. Mikee Romero (1pacman party-list), and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez as Gilas controlled most of the first half.
Duterte’s presence marked the first time in recent memory that a Philippine president appeared in a sporting event of such magnitude.
Former President Aquino was at the same venue in 2013, sitting in a special box, when Gilas lost to Iran for the gold medal in the FIBA Asia Championship.
The SBP personally sent an invitation Duterte to watch the OQT shortly after the former Davao City Mayor won the May national polls.
Though not a basketball fan, Duterte was willing to give Gilas the needed support.
He arrived shortly after the French and Philippine anthems were played.
Duterte bowed twice to the audience twice in response to their warm welcome.
First to greet Duterte when the Chief Executive went to the midcourt was Ranidel de Ocampo, one of several PBA players who supported him during the campaign period through social media.
The French cagers, who appeared unfazed, also greeted the President.
After the ceremonial toss, Duterte went to his seat, watched the game and for while veered away from the burden of being the country’s most powerful.
(With a report from Jonas Terrado)
FRANCE 93 – De Colo 27, Parker 21, Tillie 10, Lauvergne 10, Diaw 9, Gelabale 8, Diot 4, Heurtel 2, Kahudi 2, Pietrus 0, Moerman 0.
PHILIPPINES 84 – Blatche 21, Romeo 19, Castro 14, Chan 9, Rosario 6, Norwood 4, De Ocampo 3, Reyes 3, Parks 3, Pingris 2, Fajardo 0.
Quarters: 22-30; 45-43; 77-66; 93-84.