Ending to Jimmy Alapag's international career no longer in his hands alone

With less than a minute left in the game against South Korea, Jimmy Alapag found himself in a familiar situation.

Down by one with less than a minute left in the game, Alapag elevated as he saw a slight opening. He geared up for a long triple like he has done so many times in his career.

Alapag had 25 points to lead Gilas at that point. He shot 5 of 9 from the three-point area. Just last year, he nailed a similar triple to help Gilas beat Korea in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. He knew he could make it. He knew he needed to make it.

But he missed. And a triple from Heeyong Jang drilled a dagger three on the other side.

For so many games, Alapag battled when no one else would. Against Argentina in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Alapag made five triples to give the Philippines a shot at scoring a monumental upset. Against Qatar in their last game, he made five more triples to try to stop one from happening.

Alapag fell short both times but you could never fault him for the lack of trying.

With the losses to Qatar and Korea, the ending of his international basketball career is no longer in his hands. Alapag needs Kazakhstan and Korea to beat Qatar. If this happens, Alapag would once again be on the floor pouring his heart out for the Philippines

But if this is how it would end, if Asian Games glory is really not meant to be, Filipino basketball fans will be forever thankful to their Pambansang Kapitan.