Malacañang says Aquino looking forward to Gilas Pilipinas ‘excellent games’

Argentina’s forward Andres Nocioni (C) vies with Philippines’ forward Gabe Norwood (L) and Philippines’ guard Jim Alapag (R) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B match Argentina vs Philippines at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Sevilla on September 1, 2014. AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang said Tuesday that President Benigno Aquino III is looking forward to excellent games from the national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas.

Gilas have lost to three teams: Croatia, Greece and Argentina, all of which were won by their opponents in small margins in the ongoing FIBA World Cup being held in Seville, Spain.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the national team still has a fighting chance to qualify in the Round of 16 of the international basketball tournament.

He added Filipinos should support Gilas Pilipinas, saying that the players have excelled and shown courage in taking top basketball teams in their FIBA World Cup campaign.

“Tunay na kahanga-hanga ang ipinapakitang husay at tapang ng mga manlalarong Pilipino bagamat kalaban nila ay higit na malaki at matangkad na mga manlalaro,” Coloma said.

(The skill and courage shown by the Filipino players are admirable despite the fact that their opponents are bigger and taller than them.)

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