When Chances are Blown

The final score of the Philippines-Korea game (69-56, Korea won) is actually a lot closer than most people who didn't watch the game and only looked at the score would think.

For most of the 40 minutes of this FIBA-Asia battle, the Philippine Team actually hung around and threatened to tie the game and surge even more against the Korean Team. They actually had a lot of chances to do so, but they had problems with the following:

1. Medium-range and 3 point baskets clanked, bounced, fell short, or was just spat back out by the rim.

2. Bad shots were taken by some players that were so noticeable that I cringed while watching and just made me want to destroy my TV's screen and stick the broken little glass shards to my eye.

3. Foul trouble and thus a disadvantage in free throws. Plus, the Filipinos weren't able to capitalize on the few free throw attempts they were awarded.

4. Japeth Aguilar's injury kept him out of the game and thus the team missed a shot blocker and inside force.

Still, the team still hung around for 3 quarters because of great defense, until they just ran out of gas. The offense was pretty much out the entire game.

My hat goes off to Cyrus Baguio for being a spark to the Filipino squad and to Mick Pennisi, whose 3-pointers started runs and kept the team in the hunt for an upset (but I still find it hard to believe you're a Filipino).

The Philippines still have a chance in the next games, though.

But it was fun to hear Coach Yeng Guiao of the Philippines shout Filipino curse words probably to the referees in frustration. But the men in stripes never even had a clue as to what the coach was saying.

- Cookies (I'm eating right now)