GILAS Pilipinas capped its European tune-up games in preparation for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with an 82-80 loss to Poland in Sosnowiec, Poland.
The Nationals conceded the first nine points of the fourth quarter, digging themselves into a hole that they weren’t able to get out of despite a brave fightback.
READ Gilas loses to Turkey in well-fought Istanbul friendly
Gilas made a late charge by scoring the final eight points of the match behind Dwight Ramos, but ran short of time as the world's No. 15-ranked side hung on for the win.
The loss spoiled the 30-point effort of Justin Brownlee as Gilas suffered back-to-back defeats. It lost to Turkey, 84-73, in Istanbul last Thursday.
The Philippines now heads to Riga, Latvia for the OQT where only one spot in the Paris Olympics is at stake.
Gilas will face host Latvia on July 3, 7 p.m. (July 4, 12 midnight Philippine time) and Georgia on July 4, 3:30 p.m. (July 4, 8:30 p.m. Philippine time).
READ Where to watch Gilas' FIBA OQT matches vs. Latvia, Georgia
Michal Sokolowski, the recently-crowned Italian Cup MVP, had 21 points while going 3-of-4 from threes. His three-pointer early in the final quarter sparked a Poland response after Gilas came within two, 58-56, at the end of the third.
Poland’s lead later ballooned to 14, leaving Gilas coach Tim Cone furious during the team’s timeouts as he ripped the team for lackadaisical play.
A lay-up by Michal Michalak put Poland up, 82-72, with 2:37 left in the match.
The Filipinos, however, responded behind Ramos, who highlighted a 16-point night with a three-pointer and two jumpers in a late run that cut the gap to 82-77.
Misses from the free-throw line cost Gilas. Ramos missed a bonus charity after a trey that could've cut the Poland lead down to four points.
Chris Newsome also split his two free throws with 1:26 left. Aside from that, the visiting side also turned the ball over 23 times.
Ramos also had nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while June Mar Fajardo had 10 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Kai Sotto had eight points and 11 rebounds in a game that saw San Antonio Spurs player Jeremy Sochan playing 12 minutes for Poland and finishing with eight points and four rebounds.
The Philippines got off to a good start with a 23-16 lead at the end of the first, but found itself outscored by Poland, 25-15, in the second canto.
The scores:
Poland 82 – Sokolowski 21, Balcerowski 10, Pluta 8, Sochan 8, Ponitka 7, Zyskowski 6, Dziewa 5, Milicic 5, Michalak 5, Niziol 5, Mazurczak 2, Zolnierewicz 2.
Philippines 80 – Brownlee 30, Ramos 16, Fajardo 10, Sotto 8, Newsome 6, Aguilar 4, Tamayo 4, Perez 2, Oftana 0, Quiambao 0.
Quarters: 16-23; 41-38; 58-56; 82-80.
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