Never say die
HANGZHOU, China — Nobody saw Gilas Pilipinas' miraculous victory over China coming — not even Filipino sportswriters.

In fact, when the Chinese led by five with under two minutes left, 76-71, Manila-based scribes started to vacate their respective spots in the press box to go to the mixed zone for post-game interview. Some of them started hammering their stories while others were already folding their laptops and prepared to call it a day.

Then, Justin Bronwlee's explosion happened.

Reporters suddenly came rushing back to the court not just to check the scores but also to witness the action and drama of what could be one of the greatest comebacks in international basketball.

They paid a handsome price for their lack of faith as all they witnessed was the final defensive stop that triggered a massive Filipino celebration right in front of Chinese basketball hero Yao Ming and their army of supporters.

Gilas coach Tim Cone had to rub his eyes to make sure that he's not dreaming.

"I told Justin that if you do this for Ginebra, that's awesome. But if you do this on an international stage, in a big moment like this, to beat the host team, I mean that's unforgettable. People will remember that forever," Cone said.

"It's something you only get to see only in movies."

Poetic justice
HANGZHOU, China — Fate has a funny way of serving justice.

Reports are swirling that Serbian coach Sasa Djordjevic is in hot water after China suffered two straight losses to Gilas Pilipinas in a span of one month.

The first loss happened in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila in which the Chinese absorbed a sorry 75-96 decision at the hands of the Filipinos in the classification phase.

The setback was so devastating that Chinese fans demanded the firing of Djordjevic. The Serbian eventually calmed them down by issuing an apology and promising to do well in the 19th Asian Games.