Brazil Thwarts Philippines’ Olympic Dreams in FIBA Qualifier
RIGA, LATVIA – Brazil dashed the Philippines’ hopes of returning to the Olympic basketball scene after 52 years by clinching a 71-60 victory in their FIBA qualifying tournament semifinal on Saturday night. The match, held at Arena Riga, leaves the Philippines out of contention for a spot in the upcoming Paris Games.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brazil surged ahead with a pivotal 14-0 run early in the third quarter, turning a halftime deficit into a commanding lead, primarily through Bruno Caboclo’s effective play. The Philippines struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, managing their first field goal of the third quarter six minutes in, a tip-in by June Mar Fajardo that only slightly narrowed the gap to 41-35. This performance starkly contrasted their earlier tournament success, where they had been shooting 51.2 percent from beyond the arc, only to fall to 39 percent against Brazil.
Coach Tim Cone expressed his mixed emotions on the team’s unexpected journey and eventual exit. “It’s very painful we didn’t [win], especially after having a halftime lead. That start of the third quarter was painful to watch. Losing Kai [Sotto] was big for us. We got to be better,” Cone commented to Fiba.com. The absence of 7-foot-2 center Kai Sotto, who sustained a bruised rib in a previous match against Georgia, was notably impactful.
Bruno Caboclo led the scoring for Brazil with 15 points, with Marcelinho Huertas contributing 13. Brazil’s coach, Aleksandar Petrovic, highlighted the defensive strategy that stifled the Philippines’ offense. “Today we can be proud of how we cut every single triangle game from the Philippines. This Brazil can’t play through offense. We have to play through defense,” Petrovic said.
For the Philippines, Justin Brownlee also scored 15 points, supported by Dwight Ramos with 13, and both Fajardo and CJ Perez adding 10 each. Ramos reflected on the game’s high stakes, stating, “It takes one night when you don’t play well and you lose. That’s how good the teams are here.”
Brazil advances to face either the host nation or Cameroon on Monday, aiming for one of the coveted slots in the Paris Olympics.