It was a four decades of drought for Team Gilas or what we all known as Philippines. The drought then ended its era as the said team finally won a game at the FIBA's flagship event. It was their final chance after losing three consecutive games yet displaying great performances as they are inspired by the support of their fellowmen back home.

Jim Alapag, the team captain, scored 18 points and Andray Blatche owned 18 points and 14 rebounds as Gilas took the lead of Senegal with a score of 81-79 after an overtime. For the first time, they won in Sevilla's Group B. It was also their first positive game at the World Championship since beating Australia in a close fight of 101-100 on the 8th of July 1974.

"It's incredible, especially with the way this tournament has gone. I don't know if anybody really gave us a chance to compete against some of the top 10-15 teams in the world. But our country has waited so long to be on this stage," said Alapag.

He added: "Hopefully we won't wait another 40 years."

"This was an opportunity to really show the world that we love the game so much and we're competing," said Coach Reyes.

Meanwhile, Alapag will turn 37 this coming December and is seemingly playing his last World Cup game.

"I was trying to not get too emotional before the game. For this to be on the world stage we want to be the example, the inspiration to all those kids back in the Philippines and to let them know that here we are on the world stage and hopefully this is just the start."

Coach Chot Reyes has also a motivation in his heart, "In my pre-game, I just said that let's play a game that will make people remember us for the rest of our lives. Nobody knows how long we'll be here. But in the end of whatever we're doing, what we leave behind is the pride that our children will feel when they speak our names. And I told the players to think of their kids," said Reyes.

He delightfully added: "Wow, what could have been if not for our inexperience. Then we would be going to Madrid (Round of 16) right now."

He left with a declaration: "We played the game of our lives."

(Source: FIBA official website)