Gilas Pilipinas bows out of Paris Olympics race after loss to Brazil

Gilas Pilipinas' bid for the Paris Olympics ended with a 71-60 semifinal loss to Brazil in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia.

Brazil's stifling defense limited Gilas' offense, holding them to their worst scoring game in the tournament and a 38% field goal percentage.

The team led Brazil 33-27 at halftime, but a 24-6 scoring run by Brazil in the third quarter proved to be the turning point.

Brazil's defense focused on limiting Justin Brownlee, who struggled against them with 15 points on 5/16 shooting, far below his tournament average.

Dwight Ramos scored 13 points, and June Mar Fajardo added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Fajardo's playing time increased due to the absence of Kai Sotto, who was injured with a bruised rib.

Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas achieved a historic upset win against world No. 6 Latvia, ending a 64-year drought against European teams.

President Marcos praised the team's performance, stating, "It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history!"