It’s been a rollercoaster couple of days for the young Filipino hoopers.
The Gilas Pilipinas U16 squad carried great momentum going into the semifinals of the FIBA Asia Cup. But it was clearly not enough as Australia demolished the Philippine team 92-36. The 56-point massacre in Doha came just a couple days after Batang Gilas qualified for the FIBA U17 World Cup with an amazing comeback win over Japan.
Just like that, the young gunners from Manila experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. That being said, the Philippines still has a chance to bring home the bronze medal when they face China.
Still, the hot topic as of now is the shellacking that the Philippine contingent took. Netizens couldn’t help but give their two cents on the merciless beatdown administered by the young Boomers.
For Facebook user Mark Anthony B. Laroya, there’s no use in crying over spilled milk. All he wants at the moment is for Gilas Youth squad to secure the bronze.
“Cheer-up. Move on. Go get the 3rd place! Magandang achievement na ‘yang nakaabot ng semifinals,” he posted.
Netizen Orly Sunga can’t get over Australia’s physical dominance over the Philippine side.
“Australians are much bigger and stronger. It’s like a senior varsity team vs. junior team,” he said.
Filipino hoop fan Don Gavan meanwhile, believes that Australia and New Zealand shouldn’t be allowed to compete in Asian tournaments.
“Don't bow your head, good job. Talaga lang malakas ‘yung kalaban niyo. Dapat nasa Europe ang kontinente ‘nung dalawa, Australia at New Zealand,” he commented.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), Angela Koro resorted to trolling the Australian players amid the one-sided game.
“Talaga bang 16 years and below ‘tong Australia? Ba’t ‘yung no. 16, mukhang nasa 20s na?”
X users also pointed out how overmatched the rest of the Asian countries are compared to the Australians and the Kiwis.
“Just be the best team in Asia. Australia & NZ are still in a different level right now,” Jay Hoops tweeted.
Netizen Jocas Ramos had one simple reply to a tweet that recounted Batang Gilas’ 2013 finals appearance in the FIBA Asia Cup.
“And 2013 was without AUS and NZ,” he quipped.
Batang Gilas and China will battle for third place tonight at 10:00 p.m.
(GM)