Underdog Senegal gets boost from Filipinos’ cheers

Senegal players thank Filipino fans who cheered for them during crucial stretch. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Feeling fidgety ahead of a crucial game by the home team, Filipino fans found something to cheer for in Senegal.

With Senegal making it very interesting for powerhouse Canada, the crowd rallied for the underdog in the Senegalese, who just fell short in pulling off the upset.

Chants of defense filled the air with Canada protecting a one-point lead with under three minutes left, a surprising turn of events considering Senegal and the Philippines had a heated battle in the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Spain that was won by the Filipinos.

“That was really incredible from them. We didn’t expect that at all. That gave us a boost. It was really amazing,” said Senegal forward Maurice Ndour, who led his team with a staggering line of 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in a 58-55 heartbreaker.

The crowd also erupted when Ndour nailed his fourth and final 3-pointer that beat the shot clock and pulled Senegal back to within a point with under a minute left.

“The Philippine crowd really helped us today that’s why my players are really thankful for them,” said Senegal’s Spanish coach Porfirio de Fisac through an interpreter.