Gilas Pilipinas score a sensational upset over Latvia in the FIBA OQT, the Philippines' first win over a European nation in FIBA-sanctioned events in 64 years.
Justin Brownlee whipped up some magic for Gilas Pilipinas once again, coming up big in the homestretch as they stunned world No. 6 Latvia, 89-80, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Arena Riga on Thursday, July 4.
Brownlee scored six of the last 10 points for the Nationals, who now have a legitimate chance of advancing to the next round of the OQT.
He finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and the same number of assists.
Kai Sotto was exceptional for the coach Tim Cone-led squad, churning out 18 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and a block.
Dwight Ramos tallied 12 points, including two pressure packed free throws with 47.9 left tor a 12-point Gilas buffer, seven rebounds, and four assists.
June Mar Fajardo imposed his will early, scoring seven of his 11 points. He also had five rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block, while Chris Newsome had 10 markers.
Gilas banked on a sizzling 32-16 start and did just enough in the homestretch in the face of a furious Latvian uprising that trimmed a 21-point Philippine lead to make things interesting.
With the raucous partisan crowd behind them, Latvia, ranked no. 6 in the world, bunched together 13 straight points to trim the gap to 10, 79-69.
Knowing when the team needed him most, Brownlee played the hero role anew, first by silencing the crowd with a jumper on top of key to keep Latvia at bay.
Rolands Smits responded with a breezy layup, but the naturalized Filipino with a four-point play that gave Gilas enough cushion for the rest of the match, 85-71.
Charlotte Hornets forwawrd Davis Vertans didn’t want to let their fans down, sinking a booming triple with 38 seconds left on the clock to close in, 89-80.
But there was little the home team could do from there.
Rodions Kurucs paced Latvia with 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
Bertans, Janis Strelnieks, and Kristers Zoriks chimed in 10 points each for Latvia, which wrapped up its Group A campaign with a 1-1 win-loss record.
Curiously, Arturs Zagars, one of Latvia’s aces who was best remembered for setting a record 17 assists in the FIBA World Cup in Manila, didn’t see action.
Gilas will next face Georgia on Thursday, July 4 at 8:30 pm. To advance to the next round, the Filipino dribblers need to win or lose by 18 points or less.