IT'S not everyday that a Philippine team beats China in basketball.
No wonder social media exploded in a fit of ecstacy after Gilas Pilipinas weathered a late meltdown to beat the defending champions, 96-87, in the two teams' Fiba Asia Cup debut on Wednesday night.
Former national coach Tim Cone led the accolades for Gilas on Twitter after the undermanned side put on a brave performance to avenge its loss to China in the 2015 final of this tournament.
[See Romeo dazzles in vengeful Gilas win over China]
"Who's next? Bring em on. Gilas is ready for anyone," tweeted the Ginebra coach, who led a Philippine team to the bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.
Top basketball patron Manny V. Pangilinan followed suit.
Most of the tweets were for Gilas hero Terrence Romeo, who topscored with 26 points including eight straight when the Filipinos regained the lead in the endgame.
More accolades for Gilas:
One tweet directed at the TV coverage team delivered a dash of humor amid the euphoria.
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