MANILA – Despite a close 96-94 loss to Georgia in Latvia, Gilas Pilipinas has secured a spot in the knockout semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT), thanks to a superior quotient.
They will face Brazil on Saturday (06 July 2024).
Brazil narrowly retained their top seed in Group B, overcoming a 24-point deficit against Cameroon, which managed a 77-74 victory. Brazil’s comeback, capped by crucial plays in the fourth quarter, preserved their place in the semifinals despite the loss.
In a dramatic game, Brazil nearly faced elimination but turned things around with a late rally. Cameroon’s lead extended to 56-32 just before halftime, but Brazil’s 7-0 run cut the deficit, setting up a tight finish.
A key three-pointer from Cameroon’s Jeremiah Hill with 57 seconds remaining sealed their victory, yet it was not enough to overtake Brazil in the standings.
Hill led Cameroon with 22 points, while Brazil’s Leo Meindl scored 19 points, setting the stage for the semifinal matchup with Gilas Pilipinas. Second-seeded Cameroon will face Group A’s top-seed Latvia in the other semifinal game.
The semifinals promise intense competition as teams vie for a chance to qualify for the Olympics.
(el Amigo/mnm)
