After several close games, the Philippines has finally walked away with a victory against Senegal in the FIBA World Cup. The margin was thin, as they won, 81-79, in overtime.

The game started out slow, with both teams scoring only four point in four minutes. Throughout most of the first half, it was neck and neck as both teams scrambled for the lead.

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Philippines started with an early four point lead, 11-7. Senegal though, went on a 4-0 run to equalize. At the end of the first quarter, Philippine point guard LA Tenorio fouled the Minnesota Timberwolves' center, Gorgui Deng, giving him three fouls.

Senegal lead 19-13, at the end of the first.

The second quarter saw blood, as Ranidel de Ocampo collided heads with Deng, leaving a huge cut and a crimson walk to the locker room.

Down by six, naturalized center and NBA player, Andrew Blatche, scored five straight points to bring the lead to one. Paul Lee added to that with back-to-back threes, sending the Philippines to an 11-0 run.

 At the end of the first half, Philippines was up by 13.

The third quarter showed a revitalized Senegal, as they strung together a 9-0 run that cut the deficit down to four, at 48-44.

After a tough and competitive four quarters, both teams were deadlocked at 64 points, sending it to overtime.

The tension was thick, as the Philippines pulled away with free throws from fouls, as Senegal was trying hard to slow their opponents down.

Senegal tried to comeback in the dying moments of the game, but came up short.

Jimmy Alapag, with a spectacular performance against Argentina, capped off his international career with a couple of free throws, and a win for his country.

This was the first international win Team Philippines had in 40 years.

While joy and pride erupted within the Philippine community, even foreign journalists were happy to see Gilas get their first win.

Couper Moorhead, former sports journalist and now member of the Miami Heat, said that he wished the Philippines would have gotten into the round of 16, as they have been playing more exciting than Team USA.  

TagsFIBA World Cup, Team Philippines, Senegal