By: Carlo Valdez
What an exciting game to watch as the Lakers who are trying to win after a 7-game lose-streak continue their streak to 8 losses in a row to the Brooklyn Nets. The young team of the Lakers, who consist of 2nd year Jordan Clarkson, who is part Filipino, was not able to capitalize on their momentum in the third quarter when they outscored the Nets 33-23. The Nets rallied from behind with some big shots from the 3-point line in the 4th quarter and continued to command the lead in the final 3 minutes of the game. The Nets stayed composed enough to beat the young team, 107-97.
The Filipino community was definitely rocking the arena, as they were continued to be honored throughout the whole event for the first ever Filipino Heritage Night at the Barclays Center. The opening ceremony was opened up by an awesome dance performance by Raps Dance-Troupe from Rutgers University which was then followed by courtside “high fives” to the players with lucky Filipino-American youth from the NY/NJ area. The U.S. National Anthem was sung spectacularly by Broadway Barkada right before tip-off. For the halftime show, 4 Filipino-American basketball organizations, HUSAY Jersey City, FABLI of Long Island, SIPAG of Staten Island and PBM NY, had the chance to show off their talents and skills on the Brooklyn Nets court.
All in all, everyone had a great time as the Filipino community continues to grow in the NY Metropolitan area. The next Filipino Heritage Night, in collaboration with the National Basketball Association club, the New York Knicks is set for January 4, 2017, at the world-famous Madison Square Garden as they square-off against the Milwaukee Bucks. This will definitely be another Filipino Heritage Night to remember.
(With contributions from: Abigael Mayao & Tennie Sumague)