Marc Pingris explains why he cried during Gilas Pilipinas-Puerto Rico game

 

When the Philippines lost to Puerto Rico in the group stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Marc Pingris was caught on camera crying on the bench and covering half of his face with a towel.

 

It was an important match as it was Gilas' last chance to stay allive after dropping their first three matches to Croatia, Greece, and Argentina. Pingris could not help but get emotional with the crucial loss.

 

"Nanghinayang lang ako kasi gusto ko lang manalo, gusto naming pumasok second round," Pingris told Jessica Soho in an interview on State of the Nation. "Nakakalungkot lang."

 

Had the team won the against the Puerto Ricans, they would have stayed in the hunt for a berth in the round of 16.

 

True to their motto, however, Gilas Pilipinas' fighting heart remained strong until the end of the group stage. They posted the national team's first win in the World Cup in 40 years, outlasting Senegal 81-79 in a game that stretched into overtime.

 

"Binigay na namin talaga lahat para at least manalo tayo kahit isa lang," Pingris said.

 

Pingris, who is one of the best defenders in the country, has been lauded by fans for his fearlessness in suiting up with the giants of international basketball.

 

"Sa akin naman hindi naman ako natatakot kahit sinong iharap sa akin kahit matangkad man, o kahit NBA player man," Pingris said.

 

"'Yun ang binigay ni Lord sa akin na talent so kailangang patunayan ko sa kanila na kahit na maliit man ako, may malaki akong puso sa basketball."

 

After his crying episode, Pingris trended on Twitter as Pinoy supporters offered words of sympathy and comfort. The defender said he was grateful for the support of the fans throughout the team's World Cup campaign and dedicated his performance to his countrymen.

 

"Gusto ko rin palang magpasalamat sa mga Pilipinong sumuporta sa amin. Talagang sinasalubong kami, talagang sumisigaw sila ng 'puso.' Para sa kanila 'yun," Pingris said. — Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News/Photo courtesy of FIBA.com