Lebanon and Philippines rivalry spills over beyond the court

BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - The colossal clash between Lebanon and Philippines later today promises to ignite passions not just on the court but off of it as well.

As hosts, Lebanon are certain to have tons of fans fill the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex, cheering on their Cedars, who are still hoping to salvage a tip 5 finish in the tournament. The Philippines, however, are known to draw their foreign-based countrymen to the stands wherever they play, and that has been true at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, too. After one of their games, in fact, Gilas Pilipinas were mobbed by more than 2,000 screaming fans outside the Sports Complex.

This means that though the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex can seat around 6,000 people, the atmosphere will surely give them impression that much more than that are present.

And with fans of both teams very savvy in terms of following their favorite players online, the pivotal battle will undoubtedly carry over to social media as well. Over the course of the first week and a half of the FIBA Asia Cup, Lebanese and Filipino fans have been the most present and vocal, and it would be no surprise to seem them trade colorful commentary in what should be an exciting and entertaining matchup.

FIBA