Gilas Pilipinas falls to Brazil, ends dream run in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Gilas Pilipinas fell to Brazil, 71-60, in the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Saturday in Latvia.

With the loss, the Philippine men's basketball team bowed out of contention for the Paris Olympics.

The Philippines concluded its dream run in the qualifiers with an upset win against Latvia and back-to-back losses against Georgia in the group stage and against Brazil in the semis.

After leading 33-27 in the first half, Gilas was limited to just six points in the third period against Brazil's 24 points.

Brazil came out stronger in the second half, making a 14-0 run early to take a 41-33 lead in the third period. June Mar Fajardo broke the short spell for Gilas, but Brazil maintained control in the said frame as it closed with a 51-39 advantage.

Gilas tried to catch up as it trimmed the deficit to a single digit, 53-46, at the 6:20 mark of the fourth quarter after a Japeth Aguilar jumper. However, Brazil made another 8-0 run to extend its lead to 15.

Brownlee came to the rescue with a triple, but Brazil was just too much as it extended its lead to 16, 67-51, with 2:45 left, before eventually getting the win despite the Philippines' late rally in the game.

Brownlee had 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block to lead Gilas, while Dwight Ramos added 13 points. Fajardo and CJ Perez had 10 points apiece.

Kai Sotto, who had his ribs checked the other day, was not fielded in the game.

Bruno Cabocolo had 15 points and 11 boards, while Marcelino Huertas and Lucas Dias added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

With the loss, the Philippines also remained winless against Brazil in history.

The two countries met in the Olympics in 1952 where the Philippines lost, 71-52. The Philippines also fell to Brazil twice in the Basketball World Cup in 1954 and once in 1978. 

Brazil now will have to wait for the result of the semis match between Latvia and Cameroon to determine its finals opponent.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News