Jordan Heading says Gilas tried to keep up fight: 'We'll play ball against anyone'

Jordan Heading knows that heart is one of the traits Filipinos are best known for.

And though Gilas PIlipinas suffered a 94-76 loss to the Dominican Republic in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) early Friday morning, he believes that his team still tried to put up a fight.

"I think we stepped up okay and I’m not going to say we stepped up great because obviously, we’re pretty disappointed with tonight," Heading, who led the Philippines against the Dominicans, said.

"But we still tried to fight and that’s one thing about the Filipinos — we’re not going to be scared going up against anybody. We’ll play ball against anyone."

The loss ended their hopes to barge into the Olympic stage for the first time since the 1972 edition in Munich.

But Heading was among the bright spots in Gilas' lopsided loss after he finished with 16 points on 6-of-10 from the field and three assists.

He also credited his teammates for holding the fort against a tough Dominican Republic side, which was composed mainly of professional players, despite missing one of their main weapons in Dwight Ramos.

Ramos was reduced to a mere spectator for a second straight game after sustaining a groin injury, which came after they swept the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

"I think guys relatively stepped up alright without Dwight, who’s the guy who really steadies our ship and is definitely a leader in our team," Heading said.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News