ALLAN THE MAN

Goliath beats David. Iran proved to be too big for Gilas Pilipinas to conquer as the West Asian nation downed the home team, 85-71, to win the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship gold medal on Sunday night, August 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Iranians went to veteran big man Hamed Haddadi often and were successful in taking the title for the 3rd time in the last 4 editions of the biennial meet.

Before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was the center of the Filipino’s cage universe, there were two Asian competitions which hogged the headlines. The first was the Asian Games, held every 4 years, and the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC), held every 2 years.

The Philippines was the best basketball nation in Asia, and a 7th placer in the 1956 Olympics. The country’s dominance was keyed by the imposing Carlos Loyzaga, who was matchless at both ends of the court.

Gilas Pilipinas has already achieved its goal of qualifying in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, but the national team is still dreaming of reaching even greater heights in the 27th FIBA Asia Basketball Championships.

Gilas outlasted rivals South Korea, 86-79, in their semi-final tussle to clinch a spot in the World Cup in Spain next year. They also advance to face tournament favorites Iran in the championship game.

August 11, 2013. DAY 9 of 27th FIBA Asia Championship 2013 being held at Manila, Philippines. Today is semifinals round of the tournament. Below are the DAY 9 live updates, live streams, game results, news and scores of today's games.

WATCH FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES via LIVE STREAMING HERE

[ WATCH DAY 1 GAME REPLAY VIDEOS HERE ]
[ WATCH DAY 2 GAME REPLAY VIDEOS HERE ]
[ WATCH DAY 3 GAME REPLAY VIDEOS HERE ]

[ QUARTERFINALS GAME RESULTS / GAME REPLAY VIDEOS ]
[ SEMIFINALS GAME RESULTS / GAME REPLAY VIDEOS ]

FIBA Asia Championship 2013 for Men is the intercontinental championship for basketball organized by FIBA Asia that serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

Gilas Pilipinas put on a gallant stand to beat long-time tormentor Korea, 86-79, and enter the finals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship on Saturday, August 10 before a humongous crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

WATCH 'Gilas Pilipinas vs South Korea Full Game Replay' BELOW:

With its top player injured in battle against one of the top teams in Asia, the Philippine national men’s basketball team leaned on its big fighting heart to prevail.

Gilas Pilipinas defeated South Korea, 86-79, to crash the finals of the FIBA Asia Championship on Saturday at the Mall of Asia.