The young and determined Gilas Pilipinas almost pulled a shocking upset before losing to host Serbia, 83-76 in the ongoing FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade today.
Spitfire guard RJ Abarrientos drived to the basket and gave the Philippines the lead, 74-73 with 3 minutes left in the game. However, 7’4 Center Boban Marjanovic of NBA’s Dallas Mavericks scored eight of Serbia’s last 10 points to lead the World no. 5 team to victory.
Gilas can still move to the second round of the tournament if they can beat the Dominican Republic tomorrow at 2:30 am, Manila Time.
Angelo Kouame led the Philippines with 17 followed by Jordan Heading’s 13 and Kai Sotto and Justic Baltazar with 10 points a piece.
