MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas’ gutsy 78-81 overtime loss to highly ranked Croatia made ripples on the social networking website Twitter, where fans expressed their overwhelming support to the Philippine national team.
At one point, “Go Gilas” became the top trending topic in the country as the Nationals gave the No. 16-ranked Croatians a big scare at the start of their 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
With their gallant stand against the European power, Gilas evoked emotions and elicited dramatic tweets from Filipino fans, including celebrities.
That was a great effort! Sooo close! #NothinToBeAshamedOf #GoGilas #WeJustPutOurselvesOnTheMap
— Vince Hizon (@VinceHizon12) August 30, 2014 Average height shorter by 5 inches. Lost by 3 points. GO GILAS! What a statement, pound chest game. PILIPINAS!! #FIBAWorldCup
— Gang Capati (@gangbadoy) August 30, 2014 We lost but the World took notice - We Are Philippine Basketball!!! GO GILAS!!! GO PILIPINAS!!! #FIBAWorldCup2014
— Mike Abasolo (@michaelabasolo) August 30, 2014 Pinoy fans exiting stadium in such high spirits. Say they feel like Gilas still won the game pic.twitter.com/o1WMlMS3cJ
— Lia Cruz (@liadcruz) August 30, 2014 I think Gilas already answered the big question: They're going to make the Philippines very proud, no matter what result.
— Rafe Bartholomew (@Rafeboogs) August 30, 2014 Croatia 81-78 Phil. Close game... Congratulations Gilas! You performed well despite the loss. Proud of you guys #GoGilas #LabanPilipinas
— Cristalle B. Henares (@cristallebelo) August 30, 2014 Still it's Gilas Basketball = World Basketball
— jake pascual (@jakepascualsbc9) August 30, 2014 Salute to Gilas Pilipinas,we're proud of you,awesome!!
— Louie Alas (@CoachLouieAlas) August 30, 2014 Congrats Team Gilas Pilipinas! Showed HEART! Winners in my book!
— Gregorio Larrazabal (@GoyYLarrazabal) August 30, 2014 We lost but we WON. Congrats gilas... you won in the eyes of the world!
— buzzketball (@dbuzzketball) August 30, 2014 I'm a Filipino. I'm half man, half Gilas. Are you? @PhilippineStar #FIBAWorldCup2014
— Joey Villar (@JoeySVillar) August 30, 2014 Win or lose, be proud of Gilas Pilipinas tonight.
— Jojo Pasion Malig (@JojoMalig) August 30, 2014 Can any of you even believe what's going on right now?! Iba ang puso ng PINOY! Go Gilas!!!
— Carlo Trillo (@carlotrillo) August 30, 2014