MANILA, Philippines – In the last 2:21 minutes of the game, Gemma Miranda’s putback brought the Philippines within a point against Germany, 9-10, which thrilled the wild Filipino crowd as they hoped to see Perlas Pilipinas take its first win in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018. 

“‘Yun ‘yung first time, sobrang sarap lang sa feeling kasi ‘yung paghihirap namin meron pala nakaka-appreciate,” said Jack Animam, who was in tears as the UAAP Season 80 MVP felt overwhelmed by the crowd support. 

(The feeling was so good because that was the first time it happened and it’s like someone actually appreciates our hard work.) 

“Hinihiling ko sa lahat na sana mas suportahan pa nila kami kasi ito talaga ‘yung kailangan nating lahat. ‘Yun lang.” 

(I am asking for people’s support because this is what we all need.) 

Despite the 10-12 loss to Germany on Friday, June 8, the National University center already knows that the crowd’s reaction is something she will cherish forever. 

“We live for that moment, it was so amazing,” said Animam. 

Animam: "To all the Filipino fans , we are here because of you"#3x3WC #WatchUsPlay pic.twitter.com/SWGB3CWIyM

— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) June 8, 2018

Perlas Pilipinas’ debut in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 came after after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) excluded the national women’s basketball team from the Philippine delegation in the 2018 Asian Games. 

The team only hopes that there will be more opportunities other than the 3-a-side tournament to help the nationals bag the gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. 

“Deserve din naman siguro namin na magkaroon ng semi-pro league, or league para sa amin. Kasi andito kami, hindi lang para sa sarili namin kun’di para sa buong bansa,” said Animam. 

Perlas Pilipinas head coach Pat Aquino added: “Nagkaroon kami ng (We got a) stumbling block [because] we’re not joining the Asian Games, so it’s really hard for us again to start up for next year and everybody is expecting us to have a gold medal next year because ‘yung expectation nila mataas (they have high expectations).”  – Rappler.com