{"id":10204,"date":"2024-07-17T22:20:30","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T14:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/net-trends.com\/?p=10204"},"modified":"2024-07-17T22:20:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-17T14:20:30","slug":"gilas-pilipinas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/net-trends.com\/news\/gilas-pilipinas\/","title":{"rendered":"Gilas Pilipinas: Falls to Brazil, ends dream run in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gilas Pilipinas: Falls to Brazil, ends dream run in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Advertisement <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gilas Pilipinas: The dream run for Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament ended on a tough note with a 71-60 loss to Brazil in the semifinals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Gilas had a strong start, leading by as many as 12 points in the first half, Brazil turned the tide in the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heartbreak in Riga! Gilas Pilipinas’s Olympic dream came crashing down after a valiant effort fell short against Brazil in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament semifinals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though they started strong with a surprising lead, the Filipinos were ultimately outmuscled and outplayed in the second half, conceding their chance to compete in Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This defeat marks the end of their rollercoaster journey in the qualifiers, leaving Filipino fans with a mix of pride and disappointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building the Squad:<\/strong> Coached by Tim Cone, Gilas assembled a strong team with Justin Brownlee as their naturalized player and the promising young center Kai Sotto. However, injuries forced adjustments to the final roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underdog Status:<\/strong> Entering the OQT ranked low, Gilas faced a potential first-round clash against a higher-ranked Latvia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic Upset:<\/strong> In a thrilling upset, Gilas stunned Latvia with an 89-80 victory, sending shockwaves through the basketball world and igniting Filipino hopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close Call:<\/strong> Their next game against Georgia was another nail-biter. Though they fell short (96-94), their performance secured a spot in the OQT semifinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dream Run Ends:<\/strong> Facing a physically dominant Brazil in the semifinals, Gilas started strong but ultimately fell 71-60. Though their Olympic dream ended, they exceeded expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the loss, Gilas’ journey was a success. They gained international respect, reignited passion for Philippine basketball, and gained valuable experience for future qualifiers. Their sights are now set on the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group Stage Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Game 1: A David vs. Goliath Tale (Latvia vs. Philippines)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n