SEMIS-BOUND. Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone is all smiles during a press briefing even after losing the game against Georgia, 96-94 in Arena Riga in Latvia on Thursday night (July 4, 2024, Philippine time). Due to a superior quotient, Gilas entered the knockout semifinal round, facing off with Brazil on Saturday (July 6, 2024). (FIBA photo)
MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas will face Brazil in the knockout semifinal round of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) on Saturday.
Brazil fought back from 24 points down to preserve the top seed in Group B of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament even if Jeremiah Hill hit the go-ahead three to give Cameroon a 77-74 win and the last spot in the semifinals, at the Arena Riga in Latvia early Friday (Philippine time).
Meanwhile, the Philippines lost to Georgia, 94-96, but still made the semifinals due to a superior quotient.
Only needing a win, or at least just keep the game close enough, Brazil, which entered the game at the top spot in their group, suddenly found itself on the verge of outright elimination as Cameroon opened the second quarter on a 16-0 run to open a 45-27 lead midway through the period.
READ: Paris dream alive: Gilas enters OQT semis despite loss to Georgia
Cameroon eventually extended its lead to 24 points, 56-32, with exactly 3 minutes before halftime, but Brazil's 7-0 run to end the first half sparked what would be a slow climb back up.
Cameroon still tried to pull away after scoring on back-to-back baskets midway through the fourth for a 74-65 lead, but Brazil went on a 9-0 run that forced a 74-all deadlock with 1:15 to go.
Hill, though, hit a triple with 57 seconds left to put Cameroon back up, 77-74.
Vitor Benite tried to tie the game once more, but he missed his potential game-tying three.
Despite that, Cameroon, which still tried to steal the top seed away from Brazil, misfired from deep in the end.
Hill finished with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting on threes, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal for Cameroon, whose win eliminated Montenegro in the process.
Brice Bidias added 15 points, two rebounds, and two blocks for second-seeded Cameroon, which will take on Group A's top-seed Latvia in the semifinals.
Leo Meindl had 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Brazil, which formally set a date with Gilas Pilipinas in their semifinal duel. (PNA)
