Gilas Pilipinas shooting guard Jordan Heading had mixed reactions regarding the national team’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament stint in Belgrade, Serbia.
Gilas fought valiantly and suffered only a close defeat to Serbia, 83-76 in a game where the squad showed tremendous grit. However, 24 hours later, the team had an embarrassing setback against the Dominican Republic, getting manhandled in the second half for a 94-67 beating.
Gilas Pilipinas lost to Dominican Republic in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held last July 2 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Dominican Republic OQT Highlights
Coming off a narrow 83-76 defeat against Serbia the night before, most expected Gilas Pilipinas to give a competitive fight anew against world no. 19 Dominican Republic at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.
The national team did so in the first half, leading 41-39 entering the break and enjoying an eight-point lead at one point.
Gilas Pilipinas lost steam late against the Dominican Republic, suffering a 94-67 setback Thursday (Friday morning Manila time) in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
The Dominican Republic used a crippling 24-2 run in the second half to take control of the game at the expense of the Philippines, which struggled offensively in the last two quarters.
Gilas Pilipinas’ 83-76 loss against Serbia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament did not go unnoticed in the international scene as the Philippines put up a great challenge against a basketball powerhouse.
In the aftermath of such competitive game, Filipino fans thought: what if Dwight Ramos played for Gilas against Serbia?
Gilas Pilipinas put the international basketball scene on notice after putting up a valiant fight against world no. 5-ranked Serbia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.
The Philippines fell short, 83-76 in a game wherein coach Tab Baldwin’s troops gave a great challenge to the host country.
No less than Serbian head coach Igor Kokoskov credited Gilas for how well they played, pushing his side to the limit.
Gilas Pilipinas lost to Serbia by 7 points, 83-76 in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held last July 1 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Serbia OQT Highlights
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin understands the magnitude of being part of the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade, Serbia.
And one of the exciting storylines for Gilas when they face the world powerhouse Serbian team is how their young guards RJ Abarrientos and SJ Belangel could fair against the much-revered European superstar Milos Teodosic.
Gilas Pilipinas will face Serbia on July 1, 2:15am (PH Time) for the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held in Belgrade, Serbia.