The Philippines’ Jordan Clarkson chases after the ball against a Chinese defender during their men’s basketball game Tuesday night at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP JAKARTA, Indonesia — The best mornings are those after a big victory.

The Gilas Pilipinas head coach said his team’s close defeat to China on Tuesday hardly spoiled his morning as everybody was cheering for them like they have already won the men’s basketball crown of the 18th Asian Games here.

“Yesterday, I know it was really a good game,” Guiao, whose wards fell short of the mighty Chinese, 80-82, despite the presence of National Basketball Association standout Jordan Clarkson, told Daily Tribune’s Asiad coverage supported by Primehomes.

“But this morning, I felt it was even a better game. I read it in the papers, I saw it on social media. I don’t see anybody getting sad over that loss. Maybe they saw the hard work and perseverance of the boys.”

True enough, that game was one of the Filipinos’ best performances against the Chinese since beating them in the Tehran edition of the Asian Games in 1974.

Powered by a 7-foot-2 behemoth with feathery shooting touch in Zhou Qi, the Chinese buckled down to work early as they led by as many as 12 points in the first half.

But Clarkson caught fire and erupted for 16 of his 28 points in the third period.

A daredevil drive by Pringle off Qi gave Gilas a three-point edge, 80-77, in the final 1:09 of the game, but a free throw by Qi followed by a basket by Liu Zhixuan allowed the Chinese to tie the count.

Clarkson, who was already being hampered with right thigh cramps, committed his fourth foul, paving the way for Zhao Rui to ice the match for the final count.

“We formed this team only two weeks ago. Then, we flew Jordan in four or five days ago. So, with this very little amount of preparation, this is already a good game against one of the best teams in the tournament,” said Guiao, who is looking forward to a crucial battle with reigning champion Korea in the quarterfinals.

“Our chances to win a medal greatly depend on the Korea game. That’s very crucial. We have to be ready for that,” he said.

Guiao said they would try their best to upset Korea.

They will work hard during the game to have another great morning the following day.