Gilas moves to classification round after heartbreaker against Angola

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a heartbreaking 84-81 overtime defeat at the hands of Angola last Wednesday in the conclusion of the group stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

Gilas Pilipinas finished Group D with a 0-3 record, and lost its final game in heartbreaking fashion. In the game’s final possession, Kiefer Ravena missed a desperate three that would have sent the game into overtime.

Gilas moves into the classification round where they are hoping for the best placing possible in the World Cup. Gilas faces Tunisia on Friday at 8 p.m.

The national squad arrived in Beijing on Thursday where the classification phase will be played.

The Philippine team was still ahead, 69-65, late in the fourth quarter after a follow-up dunk by Japeth Aguilar. Angola was able to take a 73-70 lead but CJ Perez was able to tie the game by sinking a triple with 33.1 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

Angola took command in overtime as they grabbed an 83-78 lead in overtime. RR Pogoy hit a three to cut the lead to two, and Angola made a free throw to grab a three-point lead.

Andray Blatche led all Gilas scorers with 23 points, and Perez continued to play his best as he tallied 17 points for the Philippines.

PHOTO: FIBA