Gilas Pilipinas’ hopes of making the 2020 Tokyo Olympics stayed alive after host China fell to Venezuela, 72-59 in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
The loss put China at 1-2, therefore failing to advance to the next round. Poland and Venezuela booked tickets to the second round from Group A.
No Asian team made the second round of the World Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas lost to Angola in overtime in their 3rd game in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China. Andray Blatche with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals while CJ Perez with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for Philippines.
Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Angola FIBA World Cup Highlights
Gilas Pilipinas had a chance to beat Angola during the regulation of an eventual 84-81 loss in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China when CJ Perez had the ball with about five seconds left.
But to the shock of most fans in China and elsewhere, Perez did not do much with the time remaining, and heaved a three-pointer from way beyond the arc when he realized the time was running out.
Gilas Pilipinas engaged in a competitive overtime battle but fell ultimately short against Angola, 81-84 as they concluded Group D first round action in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China.
CJ Perez forced extension with a huge triple late in regulation, but it was Angola’s Yanick Moreira and who kept his poise and delivered the win for the African side.
Day 5 of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup on September 4, 2019 happening in Foshan, Beijing, Wuhan and Guangzhou. Gilas Pilipinas will go up against Angola at 3:30pm.
2019 FIBA World Cup Day 5 Game Schedule
Foshan (Foshan International Sports & Cultural Arena)
3:30pm – Angola vs Philippines
7:30pm – Italy vs Serbia
Gilas Pilipinas lost to Serbia, 126-67 in their 2nd game of the 2019 FIBA World Cup held in Foshan, China last September 2, 2019. Photos by Glenn Michael Tan
Serbian head coach Sasha Djordjevic did not sugarcoat when asked about his opinion on the Philippine national team after cruising with a 126-67 in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“What can I say, a tough loss is a tough loss. It depends on how you are going to react,” Djordjevic said. “We respect each and every player and we play the hardest we can. I think you showed some talent and quickness, but obviously you’re lacking quality.”
CJ Perez currently with an average of 15.5 points per game in his 1st 2 games of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Perez scored 15 points for Gilas Pilipinas against Italy and 16 against Serbia.
Watch: CJ Perez Highlights vs Italy/Serbia
After both Serbia and Italy humiliated Gilas Pilipinas in back to back encounters to open the group stages of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, head coach Yeng Guiao pointed out the difference in competing in the Asian level and the international level.