Jimmy Alapag for President: Gallant Gilas Pilipinas sends Twitter into frenzy despite defeat

Gilas Pilipinas dropped its third game against world No. 3 Argentina, 85-81, but still left fans celebrating on social media after brilliant performances particularly from Gabe Norwood and team captain Jimmy Alapag.

Norwood posterized NBA veteran Luis Scola in the first quarter, taking off for a dunk after a dish from Jayson Castro. He repeated the feat in the third, this time with the left hand against Marcos Mata.

Alapag, meanwhile, waxed hot from beyond the arc, scoring all of his 15 points from long bombers in the second half. — Photo courtesy of FIBA.com

Jimmy Alapag for president!!!

— Ramon Bautista (@ramonbautista) September 1, 2014

Win or lose Gabe Norwood posterized 2 argentinians. #LabanPilipinas #Puso

— Darryl Regudo (@darrylregudo) September 1, 2014

Gabe Norwood and Jimmy Alapag and the rest,good job pa din,.u rocked Argentinas world!!!

— kramzhed bautista (@krammynuggets) September 1, 2014

Jimmy Alapag showed the heart of a Filipino... Where can i buy the posters of Gabe Norwood against Scola and Mata? #PUSO #LabanPilipinas

— Uge Carlo (@gennoboy) September 1, 2014

hindi na sya Gabe Norwood, Grabe Norwood na sya! Grabe na itey!

— hania magnate (@haniathemagnate) September 1, 2014

Alapag making it rain 3's school should be suspended already

— Jose Laurel (@saddamJOSEn) September 1, 2014

After a heroic performance by Alapag, he will now fight Manny Pacquiao for the WBO Welterweight title.

— Gabriel S. N. Lizada (@TheGaboLizada) September 1, 2014

Mr. President... Gabe Norwood. And the Mighty Mouse.. Jimmy Alapag. You made us all proud! #LabanGilasPilipinas #PUSO

— Kira Yamato Mendoza (@knightkira) September 1, 2014

Argentina survives, 85-81. Respect to the Philippines though. That Alapag dude can ball. They just made too many mistakes + not enough D.

— Kels Dayton (@KelsDayton) September 1, 2014

pero di pa rin ako makaka-move on dun sa dalawang facial dunk ni gabe norwood! Ibang klase! #LabanPilipinas #PUSO #GilasVsArgentina

— Christine (@DanielleAmante) September 1, 2014

What a dunk!! Gabe Norwood for the win!!! Dalawang dunk na yan ahhh.. Wooohhhh!! #inyourface

— Hope Parrocho (@hopiiaa) September 1, 2014

We should canonize Alapag as a basketball saint!

— notBenjieParas (@Tower0fPower) September 1, 2014

This just in: Gabe Norwood named new owner of Argentina

— Rob Espiritu (@robleeespiritu) September 1, 2014