Gilas struggles against Brazil defense in Fiba OQT loss

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee tries to work his way around Brazil’s defense during the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) semifinal.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Brazil turned to its stifling defense to end Gilas Pilipinas’ Olympic dream in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Saturday (Manila time) in Riga, Latvia.

Except for a slow start that saw them trail by double-digits early, the Brazilians were able to limit Gilas’ offense en route to a 71-60 win.

“We can be proud [with] how we cut every single triangle game from the Philippines,” said Brazil coach Aleksander Petrovic after steering his squad to the OQT final where a spot in the Paris Olympics is at stake.

READ: Gilas’ Olympic dream ends, bows out of Fiba OQT with loss to Brazil

“We cut them everything. They stayed 31 points below what they averaged in their first two games. We cut the percentage of the shots. When the Philippines scores 60 points, in my opinion, we did a huge job.”

Brazil held Gilas to its worst scoring game in the tournament after the Filipinos put up 89 points against Latvia and 94 against Georgia.

The Philippines had to bleed for points, converting just 38 percent of its field goal attempts.

More importantly for Brazil, it managed to slow down Gilas’ main weapon in Justin Brownlee.

READ: Gilas’ Justin Brownlee savors first Fiba OQT experience

After averaging 27 points on 53 percent shooting from the field, Brownlee struggled against Brazil, finishing with 15 points on 5/16 shooting from the field.

“We had to cut his percentage to below 48% because he was shooting the ball pretty well,” said Brazil guard Georginho De Paula.

“Wherever he goes, we were there. I think we did a great job,” added De Paula.

Brazil meets Latvia in the final on Monday.