Duterte watched patiently as Gilas played Italy with grit, passion –Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte "patiently" watched Gilas Pilipinas' opening match at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup which the Philippines lost to Italy 108-62, the Palace said in a Saturday statement.

"The Filipino players valiantly fought their taller, bigger, shiftier and sharp-shooting Italians, with their accurate three-point shots," said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shows his support for Gilas Pilipinas as he watches the Philippines' men's national basketball team go up against Italy at the Foshan International Sports and Cultural Center in Guangdong, China on Saturday, August 31, 2019. With the President are People's Republic of China Vice President Wang Qishan and Senator Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Go. Simeon Celi/Presidential Photo

However, while Gilas was outplayed and outscored, Panelo pointed out that the Filipinos displayed flashes of brilliance.

"It’s not always the winning that counts, it’s how the game is played," said the President's spokesperson. "Our Filipino players played with grit and passion. And for that, they deserve our admiration."

Duterte earlier said that Gilas would likely end up losing in the tournament hosted by China, and claimed, “Ang problema ang unang kalaban natin Italy. Wala. Walang laban. Wala tayo diyan."

"China na lang tayo magpusta. Wala. Ay sus. Pa-corny ka pa. Wala talaga tayo," the President had added. — DVM, GMA News