The Philippines and Puerto Rico will clash in an all-important match in Group B with the winner keeping their second-round bid alive while the loser absorbing the harsh reality of elimination in the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball at Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo in Seville Spain.
The Philippines men's national team, known as Smart Gilas Pilipinas, has been more than just competitive in their first three games as they pushed powerhouses Croatia and Argentina to the limit and held their own against gritty Greece.
Former Brooklyn Nets and naturalized center Andray Blatche has been phenomenal for the Philippines, averaging 21 points and 13.7 rebounds per game.
However, the world has fallen in love for the Gilas even more because of incredible determination shown by other members of the national team - especially one of the smallest member of the team in Jimmy Alapag, who knocked down five treys in the thriller against Argentina.
"It's a once in a lifetime to play against the No. 3 in the world and it's a game I thought we fought every step of the way ...in the game of basketball that's all you can ask for," Alapag told the press following his gutsy performance.
"Before this tournament started, we want to give ourselves the chance to stick around which we still do. But I think most of if it is we want to get respect from the world. We deserve to be here."
As for Puerto Rico, three straight blowout losses to Argentina, Senegal and Greece won't hold them from putting up a big game on Wednesday. Former New York Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman (18 points per game) has been immense for the Puerto Rican, but he sure needs some firepower support from his teammates, notably JJ Barea of the Minnesota Timberwolves and another former NBA veteran Carlos Arroyo.
Live Stream, TV Schedule and Information
Philippines vs. Puerto Rico Group B match will start at 7:30 a.m (Eastern Time) on ESPN and Basketball TV. The game can also be watched via Live Stream on TV5 Aksyon and FIBA World Cup live. Stats and updates can be followed on FIBA World Cup official site.
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