Suffering back-to-back losses, the Philippines finds itself with its back against the wall, as the final game with the World Cup Ranked No. 10 Italy being their opponent at 8 in the evening.

While the odds may be against Gilas Pilipinas, Filipinos are known to “thread the needle” so to speak, meaning while almost impossible, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done.

All it takes is for the pieces to fall into their proper places.

ANGOLA MUST LOSE

First, Angola should lose to pacesetter Dominican Republic in the first game. This would translate to them totting a 1-2 card. 

This is crucial since the Philippines aims to have a three-way tie with them and their opponent, the powerhouse Italy. 

Should such fate occur, then it would revert to a winner over the other rule. 

However, since it would go around in circles – Philippines beating Italy, Italy beating Angola and Angola beating the Philippines, it will move to the next phase of decision making – the points.

Courtesy SBP

POUNCE OF ITALY

Beating Italy is a tall task, but the Philippines should beat them by more than 13 points.

Courtesy: SBP

This is needed in the point–differences of the teams in the games between them will matter.

Angola already has its point-difference set with their 14-point loss to Italy and 10-point win over the Philippines resulting in a -4.

Courtesy SBP

Presently, Italy is at +14 and Gilas stands at -10, this will change depending on the outcome of the game.

Gilas needs to win by 13 points or more to make them have a superior quotient of +3 while Italy will have a +1, both of them ahead of Angola. 

If the win is 12 or less, Italy will advance to the next round with the best point-difference.

It’s not an easy task, but Filipinos are used to having their backs against the wall and overcoming it. Let’s support the Philippine Team and cheer them on!