With China up 79-77 and less than 10 seconds left in the third place game, the undersized Philippines had one last shot. One that could potentially help the small basketball-crazed country finally place in the FIBA Asia Cup after finding themselves so close to a medal in 2010 and 2012. Discuss Gilas Pilipinas in our Philippines Basketball Forum

LA Tenorio rebounded a missed free-throw by Chinese big man Wang Zirui, dribbled past a couple defenders and threw the ball ahead to a waiting Paul Lee Dalistan at the three point line. Lee set his feet, pump faked a couple Chinese players, and was fouled by China’s Kelanbaike Makan while shooting the three-point shot. With no time left on the clock, Lee made all three free-throws giving the Philippines a 80-79 win over China. The Gilas Pilipinas team went crazy as the last free throw nestled into the net. Watch the match highlights, including that crucial play in the video below: Discuss the FIBA World Cup in our World Championships Forum The Philippines led only once prior to Lee hitting that final free-throw. Ranidel De Ocampo led Gilas with 18 points. Center Marcus Douthit scored 10 points for the Philippines and had a game-high 22 rebounds. Japeth Aguilar contributed 14 points, Tenorio had 12 points, and Beau Belga added 10. Makan led China’s next generation with 23 points. China’s team represented the next era of players playing without any of national team mainstays Wang Zhizhi, Sun Xue, or Yi Jianlian for the first time in many years. The team’s placing, though disappointing for the hosts, sets a good foundation for a young team with no player over the age of 24. By winning the bronze medal, the Philippines had its best finish in the Asia Cup Tournament. Their best finish prior to this year was fourth place in the 2010 and 2012 tournaments, losing to Qatar both times. Needless to say, the country is excited to participating in the FIBA World Cup. Join the Gilas Pilipinas discussion in our Philippines Forum.