Marcos congratulates Gilas on winning Asian Games gold

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for winning a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.

"I know every Filipino is proud to be called one today. Congratulations, Gilas Pilipinas, on this incredible feat!" Marcos said in a tweet.

"Your hard work continues to elevate Filipino athleticism and sportsmanship to the global arena," he added.

Gilas Pilipinas' victory marks the first time since 1962 that the Philippines will take home a gold medal in men's basketball from the Asian Games.

The team won over Jordan, 70-60.

Justin Brownlee led Gilas with 20 points along with 10 rebounds and five assists while Ange Kouame added 14 markers and 11 boards in a strong effort.

Chris Newsome and Scottie Thompson added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Philippines.

The last time the national team won a gold medal in the Asian Games was in 1962, when it defeated China.

Friday's victory was also the first time that the Philippines reached the gold medal match since winning the silver medal in 1990, and the country's first semifinal appearance since its fourth place finish in the 2002 edition in Busan, South Korea.

This is the country's fourth overall gold in the Asian Games after pole vaulter EJ Obiena and jiu jitsu stars Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez. —KG, GMA Integrated News