Sen. Christopher 'Bong' Go called for Filipinos to come together and support Gilas Pilipinas in the match against Italy on Tuesday, August 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
After losing to Angola, 80-70, on Sunday, August 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Philippine team needs to win against Italy by at least 13 points for the host squad to advance to the second round of the tournament.
The Filipinos must also hope that Angola loses to the Dominican Republic in order to salvage their 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign.
"Ako rin ay nasaktan na natalo tayo ngunit kailangan natin magkaisa at lumaban. Kilala naman ang Pilipino na lumaban," said Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports.
"Talunin natin ang Italy by 13 points, pumasok tayo sa next round, one game at a time," the senator added.
The lawmaker also reiterated his support for the Philippine national men's basketball team, which currently has two losses in the tournament after falling to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, on the opening day.
"Full support ako sa ating Gilas Pilipinas team. Laban tayo, ipagdasal natin ang ating team, sana manalo tayo sa mga susunod pa na laban," Go stressed.
"Marami pang laro ang ating Gilas Pilipinas na pwede natin supportahan ang ating team," he said.
