Brazil engaged Gilas Pilipinas in a slow, grinding game in the semifinals of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, frustrating the Filipinos’ campaign for a ticket to Paris with a 71-60 win.
Despite being down by 10 in the first half, the Brazilians, led by former NBA player Bruno Caboclo, smothered the nationals in the second half to secure the win.
With the victory, the world’s No. 12 team advanced to the finals of the OQT.
Things were going well for Gilas at the onset of the game when Dwight Ramos instigated an 8-0 run that had Brazil reeling, 22-12.
The Brazilians found their footing in the second quarter when Yago dos Santos started knocking down outside shots.
Brazil also found a way to slow down the nationals, but Brownlee managed to keep Gilas ahead, 33-27.
The third quarter, however, became a different story altogether for Gilas. For nearly six minutes, they failed to buy a basket against Brazil.
Caboclo snuck in a one-hander that sparked a searing run for Brazil. It was Leo Meindl’s corner jumper that gave Brazil the lead, 34-33, with 8:16 to go in the third.
The nationals fought back behind June Mar Fajardo and Chris Newsome, but Lucas Dias connected back-to-back shots to keep Brazil ahead, 51-39, going to the final period.
Gilas tried to rally in the payoff period but could not get their offense going against Brazil’s slow-grinding game.
Save for Ramos’ opening trey and Brownlee’s long three, the nationals failed to make an impact in the last period.
In the end, Brazil took the win and a seat in the finals of the tournament.
The South American side remained undefeated against the Philippines in all five of their clashes.
The post Gilas’ Olympic dream ends after defeat to Brazil in OQT semis first appeared on Fastbreak.
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