Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo against two Brazil defenders during the Fiba OQT semifinals game in Riga, Latvia. –FIBA PHOTO
Gilas Pilipinas saw its dream to make it to the Paris Olympics end on Saturday night after losing to world No. 12 Brazil, 71-60, in the semifinals of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.
A third-quarter meltdown for Gilas Pilipinas spelled the end after the Filipinos allowed Brazil to go on a crippling 24-6 run that erased whatever strong start they had to the game.
It was all Brazil from that point with its star Bruno Caboclo catching fire and fueling his team’s push for the Summer Games. Caboclo, who played for several NBA teams, finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
LIVE UPDATES: Gilas Pilipinas vs Brazil Fiba OQT semifinals July 6
Justin Brownlee, who averaged 27 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in the group phase for Gilas, just couldn’t find his usual shots and was limited to just 15 points–all but three in the first two quarters.
Brownlee only found his mark again with 4:11 left to play after he picked up his fourth foul. He made a crucial 3-pointer that put Gilas within a realistic distance to make a last-ditch rally, 61-49.
Brazil, though, quickly responded with a 6-2 run making sure the Filipinos didn’t get anything going with the victory within their reach.
This was the story of the frustrating second half for Gilas Pilipinas, which had Brazil stumped in the first quarters and even led by as many as 12 points.
Gilas Pilipinas then went scoreless for more than six minutes into the third quarter.
Despite the semifinal exit, Gilas Pilipinas still turned heads in Riga after stunning world No.6 and host Latvia and eliminating No.23 Georgia in the group phase.
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