THE Philippines’ goal of reaching the 2024 Paris Olympics has come to an end, after losing to a hot shooting Brazil squad, 71-60, during the semifinals of the Olympic Qualifying tournament held in Riga, Latvia.
Gilas actually led at halftime 33-27 against the FIBA ranked number 23 squad courtesy of naturalized Filipino and Brgy. Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee had 12 points.
Courtesy: FIBA
Come the second half however, Brazil tightened its defense and made a 14-0 run, erasing Gilas’ lead and creating their own via 41-33.
Gilas tried to crawl back, but another 17-2 run before the end of the quarter saw them in full control 51-39.
“After having the halftime lead and coming out, and then going on a 12-0 or 14-0 run to start the third quarter was painful to watch,” according to Gilas Coach Tim Cone.
“There is a reason why Brazil is the 12th ranked team in the world and they proved it tonight,” he added.
The loss was painful for Gilas, who kicked off their campaign by defeating world no. 6 Latvia, 89-80.
They lost the next game to Georgia by 2 points, 96-94, but marched on due to a superior quotient.
Brownlee, who had a fantastic first half, was held to 3 points and finished the game with 15 points.
Courtesy: FIBA
He was followed by Dwight Ramos with 13 and June Mar Fajardo with 10 points.
Former NBA player Bruno Cabocio lead the Brazil team with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow NBA vet Marcelino Huertas contributed 13 points, in particular the timely baskets to keep the Filipinos at bay.
“Bottomline is we just weren’t good enough tonight and we gotta be better,” Cone said.
