Gilas Pilipinas’ dreams of securing a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics were dashed after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Brazil in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia on Saturday, July 6th. Brazil’s men’s basketball team overcame a 10-point deficit to triumph over the Philippines with a final score of 71-60, securing their place in the tournament’s final.
Bruno Caboclo was a key player in Brazil’s victory, delivering an impressive performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Veteran guard Marcelinho Huertas also made significant contributions, showcasing his experience and leadership on the court.
Brazil will now face the host nation, Latvia, in Sunday’s final in Riga. They aim to earn a spot in the Olympic tournament for the first time since competing on home soil in the Rio 2016 Games.
The match began with Brazil taking an early 5-0 lead, but the resilient Gilas Pilipinas quickly found their rhythm despite the absence of their key player, Kai Sotto, due to a rib injury. The Philippines managed to turn the tide, taking the lead and building on their momentum. Dwight Ramos was particularly effective in the first quarter, scoring 11 points and helping his team establish an eight-point lead (18-10).
By the end of the first period, the underdog Philippines team held a surprising 10-point advantage (22-12) over the three-time Olympic bronze medalists. However, Brazil’s experience and depth eventually shone through, allowing them to close the gap and ultimately secure the win.
This semifinal defeat marks the end of Gilas Pilipinas’ valiant effort in the OQT, but their performance, especially in the early stages of the game, demonstrated their potential and promise on the international stage. Meanwhile, Brazil hopes to reclaim their place among the world’s elite basketball teams at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
