MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas delivered a stunning upset by defeating world No. 6 Latvia, 89-80, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, early Thursday (July 4, Manila time).
Justin Brownlee led the charge with an impressive near triple-double of 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists performance.
The Philippines, ranked 37th globally, started strong with an 8-0 run and held a lead of up to 18 points.
Latvia narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter, but Brownlee’s critical four-point play secured the win.
This victory marks the Philippines’ first win against a European team since the 1960 Olympics. Gilas Pilipinas will face Georgia next, who recently lost to Latvia 55-83.
The scores
Philippines (89) — Brownlee 26, Sotto 18, Ramos 12, Fajardo 11, Newsome 10, Perez 6, Quiambao 3, Aguilar 2, Tamayo 1, Oftana 0.
Latvia (80) — Kurucs 18, Dav. Bertans 10, Strelnieks 10, Zoriks 10, Smits 9, Strautins 6, Lomazs 6, Dar. Bertans 5, Timma 3, Mejeris 1.
Quarterscores: 32-16; 54-38; 67-56; 89-80.
(el Amigo/mnm)
