SOSNOWIEC (Poland) - The Philippines' fighting spirit was there for all to see even as Gilas Pilipinas absorbed an 82-80 loss to Poland in their last preparation game ahead of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia.
The Story of the Game
Gilas Pilipinas started strong, taking a 23-16 lead after the first quarter. However, Poland mounted a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring the Filipinos 25-15 to take a 41-38 lead at halftime. The game remained tight throughout, with Poland's Michal Sokolowski leading the charge with 21 points, including crucial three-pointers that halted Gilas' momentum.
The Player of the Game
Michal Sokolowski was instrumental for Poland, scoring 21 points and hitting key shots that shifted the momentum in Poland's favor. His timely three-pointer early in the fourth quarter sparked a decisive run that gave Poland a comfortable lead.
The Stats of the Game
Justin Brownlee led Gilas Pilipinas with a game-high 30 points, showcasing his scoring prowess. Dwight Ramos contributed 16 points along with 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Kai Sotto added 8 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo chipped in 10 points.
The Takeaways from the Game
Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas demonstrated resilience with a late surge, closing the gap to just two points in the final minutes. However, missed opportunities at the free-throw line and turnovers proved costly. Coach Tim Cone expressed frustration over lapses in concentration during crucial moments, highlighting areas for improvement ahead of the OQT in Riga, Latvia. Gilas Pilipinas will face host Latvia on July 3 and Georgia on July 4 in the OQT, where they will compete for a spot in the Paris Olympics.
FIBA