GILAS Pilipinas moved 20 minutes away from a spot in the final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a 33-27 lead over Brazil at the half in Riga, Latvia.
Justin Brownlee had 12 points to lead Gilas in scoring, and the nationals were also solid on defense with Chris Newsome tallying four steals, limiting Brazil to only 32 percent from the field.
If the Philippines holds on to this lead against the world No. 12 in its semifinal encounter, it will need only a win in order to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics, and will face either host Latvia or Cameroon.
But Brazil will be hoping to maintain its momentum after a mini-run that cut the gap to six points at the break.
The Philippines shot 42 percent, fueled by a 4-of-8 shooting from threes, as it led by as many as 12 points in the game.
READ: Kai out in Gilas' semis clash versus Brazil. Here's why
Gilas took the led even with Kai Sotto still not playing in the game after sustaining an injury in the previous game against Georgia.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
