MANILA, Philippines – A familiar heartache for Filipino basketball fans.

The Philippine men’s basketball team once again fell into the hands of Korea as the powerhouse squad ended the country’s quest for a podium finish in the 2018 Asian Games men’s basketball tournament. (READ: PH falls victim to Korean curse yet again in Asian Games 2018)

JUST IN. The Philippines falls victim to Korean curse yet again. #AsianGames2018 https://t.co/be473n98tM pic.twitter.com/Plwd31j5UJ

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) August 27, 2018

Twitter users took to social media to share their gratitude to Gilas Pilipinas for a gallant stand against Asia’s best basketball teams.

Today is #NationalHeroesDay can we give all our hearts and support to #GilasPilipinas for fighting til the last minute of the game. The guys gave it their all and we shouldnt ask anything more from them. Salamat Gilas Pilipinas, til our next fight #PUSO pic.twitter.com/ZwZTg08zbo

— H! IM KAI (@gaelsfirstlove) August 27, 2018

So proud of our Gilas team. This is a B-Team but gave China and Korea a hard time. Good job to Yeng Guiao, Jordan Clarkson, Standhardinger, Pringle and the rest of the team. We’re defeated but we fought hard ’till the end. Laban Pilipinas.

— J.Cubao (@cuberoot715) August 27, 2018

so proud of Gilas even though they fell short. nakakaproud makitang naglalaro si jordan clarkson para sa Pilipinas  still, LABAN PILIPINAS!

— rís (@benjdonny) August 27, 2018

Silver lining: Gilastopainters ang kalaban ng korea hindi ang Gilas.

Wait till Romeo Castro Ravena and Clarkson show up.

June Mar and Blatche are perfect for Ratllifte

— Jared Ansaldo (@JRedAnsaldo) August 27, 2018

We almost ended up not playing in the Asian games, we almost not have Jordan Clarkson, despite that, we almost beat China, we almost beat Korea. #LabanPilipinas #AsianGames2018

— KRZY (@krzymaknae) August 27, 2018

After the heartbreaking loss that relegated the Philippines to the classification round of the basketball tournament, netizens turned the spotlight to Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson and thanked him for donning the Philippine colors.

Many were hopeful that this is not the last time they will see Clarkson play for the Philippines in international tournaments.

after the classification games hopefully this is not the last time we see JC on Gilas jersey

— Jeremy Rapiz (@bestofjeremy) August 27, 2018

i hope this not the last time we see Jordan Clarkson wearing the GILAS jersey. Thank you @JordanClarksons for making us proud #LabanPiipinas

— michael alejo bautista (@russwesst) August 27, 2018

I just hope we’ll get to see Jordan Clarkson play in a "Pilipinas" jersey again. Thank you, Gilas. Thank you, Clarkson.

— Michaela Pelagio (@michapelagio) August 27, 2018

No matter what, i still love this Gilas group. So much respect for them, esp Jordan Clarkson. No superiority complex and playing within Gilas system. Mahal ko na sya #LabanPilipinas #AsianGames2018

— Bi Santos (@b0hdagching) August 27, 2018

LET’S BE HONEST BUT JORDAN CLARKSON IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED IN GILAS DESPITE OF LOSING. HE PROVED WHAT HE’S CAPABLE OF AND ALL WE NEED IS A MUCH STRONGER & BETTER TEAM WITH HIM AND FOR SURE, WE CAN MAKE IT SOON!! THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING #PUSO #LabanPilipinas

— simondominic (@chaerinrose) August 27, 2018

Whatever the result, it was still awesome to see Jordan Clarkson in a Pilipinas jersey. Next wish: To see him play with Junemar!

— Marc Marasigan (@marcmarasigan) August 27, 2018

What I am sad about is knowing that this is a one chance given to Jordan Clarkson to play for the Philippines, but sadly we didn’t get to advance for the next round
Hoping to see him play with #Gilas Pilipinas again.

— luke. (@aliannahemmings) August 27, 2018

What are your thoughts about the Philippines’ performance in 2018 Asian Games men’s basketball? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com