By: 
Tainan, Taiwan – Despite the loss to Georgia the world rank no. 23 (94-96) Gilas Pilipinas will play in semis in the recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Arena, Riga, Latvia.
After the upset of Gilas Pilipinas with the host Latvia, Gilas finished top 2 in Group A, even a triple tie (1-1) win-loss record along with Georgia and Latvia.
Justin Brownlee led Philippines in the loss against Georgia in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga. Photo from FIBA.
Georgia rallied early and led 11 points in the opening quarter and led as much as 20 points in the second quarter, but Gilas managed to cut the deficit outscoring the Georgia (31-19) in the 3rd quarter.
Georgia need to win by 19 points to finish second and eliminate the Gilas Pilipinas, but CJ Perez of the Philippines had ignited in the second half of the bench and finished with 14 points.
Justin Brownlee led the Philippines with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Kai Sotto who finished double digit against Latvia only finished with 4 points and exit with 6:42 left in the second quarter.
Alexander Mamukelashvili had 26 points and 7 rebounds while Goga Bitadze added double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds for Georgia.
Gilas Pilipinas will play against Brazil in semi-finals on Saturday July 6, 8:30pm (PH time) in Arena Riga in Latvia. Gilas are 2 wins away to return in the Olympic since 1972.
