South Korea vs. Gilas Pilipinas: Score and Twitter Reaction for 2014 Asian Games

South Korea beat Gilas Pilipinas 97-95 on the court at the 2014 Asian Games in the Men's Group H quarter-final round. The Philippines produced a sluggish display, no doubt influenced by their recent hectic schedule.

Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter Francis T.J. Ochoa confirmed the result:

Gilas has played three games in as many days, beginning with a frustrating loss to arch-nemesis Iran and culminating in this late collapse.

Despite their recent workload, Pilipinas engaged in a frenetic opening against Korea. The explosive early exchanges produced a run on three-pointers.

Gilas needed those shots to help compensate for the absence of center Marcus Douthit. He was controversially left out after coach Chot Reyes heavily criticised his attitude following the defeat against Qatar:

Whatever the issue with Douthit, it's clear his team needs him on the court. The coach clearly feels the same.

After this defeat, Reyes indicated his star center won't be omitted against Kazakhstan, per Basketball in Asia blogger Nick Bedard:

Even without Douthit, Jimmy Alapag was in fine scoring form against Korea. The captain bravely attempted to compensate, per Ochoa:

Point guard Alapag led a charge that Korea's defensive strategy had no answer for. Bedard described where Korea was going wrong:

With gaps closed off by Korea's zones, shooting from the three-point line was a smart strategy from Alapag and his teammates.

South Korea coach Yoo described how his team was often left scrambling for answers against Gilas' efficient shooting:

However, Korea managed to keep things close throughout, largely thanks to the efforts of Moon Tae Jong. The veteran small forward was in prolific mood during the first half:

"

Moon Taejong leading Korea with 21 pts. It's raining 3s here. And it's so loud bec crowd erupts any time each team scores. #AsianGames2014

— Francis T. J. Ochoa (@francistjochoa) September 27, 2014"

A determined Korean effort in the third quarter forced a tired and overly cautious Gilas to become nervy. Eventually, Korea capitalised and retook the lead.

With his team crumbling, Reyes' passive game management came in for criticism from Bedard:

South Korea entered the fourth quarter having earned a narrow 72-71 lead. However, the third-period scare seemed to revive Gilas.

The players awoke from their slumber to retake the advantage. However, Moon soon led a fightback that saw Korea regain a late lead:

However, Alapag was in no mood to be denied. He soon tied the score for Gilas. LA Tenorio then had the chance to win it.

Unfortunately, the usually dependable point guard missed one of his two free throws after smartly winning a foul. His error gave Korea one more chance to take the game.

Reyes had to respond at this stage and attempted to bring his team together:

But his efforts were to no avail. It meant a sad end to his international career for Alapag. Nevertheless, he finished the game with 25 points and also assisted four baskets, per SmatGilasBasketball.com.

He was given a suitable send off by his teammates:

The result was hardly ideal preparation for Gilas' final quarter-final-round match against Kazakhstan. Pilipinas will now enter that game on a demoralising two-game losing streak.

No doubt calls for Douthit's reinstatement will be heard loud after this latest defeat.