Filipino fans make Spain feel like home for Gilas

The Philippine team drew strength from the estimated 3,000 Filipino fans in attendance the Palacio Multiusos de Guadalajara to beat Egypt in an exhibition game in Guadalajara, Spain. Photo taken from Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Josh Reyes’ Instagram account

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s national basketball team may be thousands of miles away from here but the Filipino crowd made Spain feel like home for Gilas Pilipinas.

Buoyed by the raucous crowd that filled the Palacio Multiusos de Guadalajara, Gilas didn’t let its avid supporters down with a 74-65 win over Fiba Africa second-placer Egypt Monday (Manila time) in its second to the last tune up game before the Fiba World Cup.

Below are tweets and photos posted by Gilas players on the support provided by Filipinos in Spain:

“Amazed by all our kababayans who came out to support us 2nyt here in Guadalajara. We appreciate all of u! Thank you! #LabanPilipinas,” skipper Jimmy Alapag posted on his Twitter account.

Gilas’ forward Jay Washington, a late addition to the pool, almost seemed in disbelief when he saw the number of Filipinos inside the arena to witness an exhibition game against Egypt.

“Crazy scene today in Guadalajara, Spain. The gym was practically full 2 hours before the game even started. All of them cheering for us. Filipinos have to be the greatest fans in the world. Thanks for the support everyone. AND we got that win over Egypt! Great effort fellas!” Washington, who took the photo above, said in a post on his Instagram account.

Jeff Chan had the hot hand and led the Philippines, which ended a string of losses in tune ups, over Egypt with 20 points.

Gilas’ final exhibition game before the World Cup, which starts on August 30 in Seville, Spain, will be against Dominican Republic.