GILAS Pilipinas’ 96-87 win over China that opened its Fiba Asia Cup campaign with a bang not only made the country proud, but also made local bettors happy on Wednesday night.
After all, some oddsmakers installed the shorter, undermanned Filipino dribblers at least a +11 underdog, while other sports books even had them at +12.5 in the point-spread game, meaning a bet on the Philippines would win even if the country lost by as many 10 points.
And Gilas’ nine-point win – behind Terrence Romeo putting on a clinic, and Jayson Castro, Japeth Aguilar, and Gabe Norwood providing support – defied the odds.
[See Terrence Romeo dazzles in Gilas' vengeful win over China in Fiba Asia Cup debut]
So those who bet on the Philippines ended up having a double celebration.
Some, though, weren’t confident enough initially that Gilas would bring down the Great Wall of China.
“Sayang hindi ako nakataya,” one bettor, who requested not to be named, said.
[See Late call-up Norwood, Aguilar, Standhardinger stand as unsung heroes for Gilas]
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
