Dirty tricks put Philippines on losing end

MANILA, Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan yesterday took exception to host China’s delaying and distracting tactics against the Filipinos just a few hours before their FIBA-Asia Championship gold medal game.

Pangilinan complained that the electric bus assigned to transport Gilas from its hotel to the Changsha Social Work Colleges Gymnasium was delayed because it couldn’t run with a discharged battery.

“Now it has begun. Our Gilas electric bus delayed. Failed to charge daw. Gilas arrival at stadium delayed. Less time for warm up,” said Pangilinan on his Twitter account @IamMVP.

Pangilinan also said China denied the Gilas coaching staff tickets.

“And some of our coaches no tickets!!! Wow,” said the man also known as MVP. “Plus no tickets for some of our assistant coaches. Gggrrr. And for us hard to get tix (tickets)!!! Ggggrrr,” he added.

Pangilinan said he was wondering why the Chinese had separate hotels from the rest of the participating teams including Gilas, saying it did not conform to the FIBA regulations.

“Chinese team staying with us at Kempinski Hotel. All other teams including Gilas in another official hotel. That’s not following the FIBA rules,” he said. “Coach Tab warned us about these cheap tricks last night (Friday) after the game vs Japan.

“Mapapaaway kami dito (We might get into a fight here),” he added.

Pangilinan though kept reminding Gilas not to waver.

“Let the world know 12 angry men will answer the challenge of greatness. Yes we can. Yes we must. Yes we will. God bless Gilas Pilipinas!” said Pangilinan. “Let the team know an entire nation is behind them. Totally behind them. And praying fervently for Gilas to succeed tonight (last night).”