The pride of the Philippines basketball community lost a hard-fought battle to World No. 23 Georgia with 96-94 scores in their second game of the ongoing FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Arena Riga on Thursday July 4 (Philippine Standard Time). Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas managed to progress to the semifinals of the OQT continuing their quest for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Gilas Pilipinas are two wins away from the Olympics 👀🇵đź‡#FIBAOQT x #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/c00d0DhwL7
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 4, 2024
The loss against Georgia, although disappointing, marked a significant moment for Gilas Pilipinas. Their stunning victory over World No. 6 Latvia earlier in the tournament ensured they finished second in Group A with a 1-1 win-loss record. This pivotal win against a top-tier team kept their Olympic hopes alive and demonstrated the team's potential and resilience on the international stage.
In both games, Justin Brownlee, the Philippines’ men's national basketball team’s standout player, was instrumental. Brownlee delivered a stellar performance against Georgia, registering 28 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. His leadership on the court and consistent scoring were crucial for the team's success.
Dwight Ramos also shone brightly, contributing 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Ramos has been a reliable player for Gilas, consistently delivering solid performances throughout the tournament.
CJ Perez added another layer of depth to the team’s offense, scoring 14 points off the bench with a perfect 6-of-6 shooting record. His ability to score efficiently provided a much-needed boost, especially during the moments when the team was struggling to find their rhythm.
The game against Georgia was not an easy one. Gilas found themselves trailing by as many as 20 points at one point. However, the team’s resilience and determination were evident as they fought back to close the gap. This comeback highlighted the mental toughness and fighting spirit that has become synonymous with Gilas Pilipinas.
It’s important to note that Georgia also ended with a 1-1 win-loss record, resulting in a three-way tie in Group A. However, Latvia and Gilas progressed to the semifinals due to a superior point differential. This statistical advantage underscores the importance of every point scored and conceded in such tightly contested tournaments.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone expressed his pride and satisfaction with the team's performance. He acknowledged the physical and mental challenges faced by the players, especially given the less than 24 hours of rest before facing Georgia.
“We knew that Georgia is going to come in with great energy and that they have a level of desperation because they needed this game and they need a big margin to advance. It was still pulling our teeth to get our guys ready. You can see it. Just a short turnaround and then you play your total heart out to beat a really superior team, and then to come in and have to play against a team that really needed it,” Cone said to the media after the game.
“I just really want to compliment our guys, they went down 20 and it could have been an easy panic time. They really showed their resilience,” he added.
Cone’s remarks highlight the challenges of international competition, where recovery time is minimal, and the stakes are incredibly high. His commendation of the players’ resilience speaks volumes about the team's character and determination.
The Philippines remain in contention to qualify for their first Olympic Games men's basketball competition since 1972, when they participated in the Munich Olympic Games. This historical context adds an extra layer of motivation for the team as they strive to make their mark on the global stage.
Gilas will face Brazil in the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) on Saturday, July 6. This matchup will be another test of the team’s abilities and resolve. Brazil, known for its strong basketball tradition and competitive spirit, will pose a significant challenge. However, Gilas’ recent performances have shown that they are capable of competing with the best.
For Gilas to succeed against Brazil, they will need to maintain their high level of play and continue to rely on their key players. Brownlee, Ramos, and Perez will need to be at their best, and the team as a whole will need to execute their game plan flawlessly.
Defense will be a critical aspect of the game. Containing Brazil’s offensive threats and securing rebounds will be essential to limit second-chance points. Additionally, minimizing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities will be crucial.
The support of Filipino fans, both in the arena and back home, will also play a vital role. The passionate and unwavering support of their countrymen has always been a source of inspiration for Gilas Pilipinas.
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