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| source: sports.inquirer.net |
Road to the Olympics- One at a time
Yes, as expected, the Philippines entered the quarterfinals. Prior to that, it posted five wins against a loss to China in the elimination round. With luck, the Philippines was bracketed to easier and lighter groups, thus finishing second behind China in one group.
The games in the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals are in knock-out format. A loss in this stage of the tournament means losing that chance to get the automatic and coveted slot to the Olympics.
In the quarterfinals, the Philippines is up against a formidable Chinese-Taipei whom the Philippines has beaten twice in this year's Jones Cup. Again, this match will be interesting to see how the Philippines will defend the sweet-shooting guards of Chinese-Taipei team. The winner of this match will most likely meet the defending champion, Iran in the semi-finals. Like China, Iran remains undefeated in six games. The Philippines will be up against a taller and experienced team. If ever the Philippines gets passed Iran, it will most likely face the dreaded Chinese team in its home court. In their first match-up in the elimination round, China beat the Philippines by 15 points, 75-60. If ever it happens, the next game between these two teams will be different because of the prize to the winner - an Olympics slot, an opportunity to play against the best of the world in basketball.
Why not? The last time the Philippines qualified in the Olympics was in 1972 Munich Olympics. Almost four decades passed, now the Philippines has a chance, again.
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| source: philippinesgoforgold.blogspot.com |
Go Philippines!
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