Gilas Pilipinas escapes Iran to succeed in Asian Video games semifinals

Justin Brownlee leads Gilas Pilipinas previous Iran within the Asian Video games basketball quarterfinals. –POOL

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas averted catastrophe on Tuesday, holding off Iran late for an 84-83 victory within the nineteenth Asian Video games males’s basketball quarterfinals in Hangzhou, China.

Justin Brownlee had 36 factors for the Filipinos, who reached the continental meet’s semifinal for the primary time since 2002.

“You bought to present quite a lot of credit score to Iran. They had been down massive and so they by no means gave up. They type of struggled early however you could possibly simply see how good a staff they’re within the fourth quarter and the way well-coached they’re to simply stick with it,” the beloved naturalized ace advised reporters shortly after the escape.

“By no means say die. We simply wished to maintain combating. Simply the NSD spirit—and that spirit means lots,” he added.

The Nationals led by as many as 21 factors however squandered that lead within the closing body, the place the Iranians even managed to wrest management of the sport heading into the ultimate minute of the competition at Zhejiang College Gymnasium.

Matin Aghajanpour and Mohammad Vahedi joined arms in a last-ditch effort within the closing body that helped Iran wrest management, 81-80, with 1:33 remaining.

The indefatigable Brownlee then hit a troublesome floater to present Gilas a slim edge which the nationals clung to till the ultimate buzzer.

June Mar Fajardo completed with 18 factors and eight rebounds whereas Scottie Thompson had 11 and 6 as this hastily-assembled Gilas squad continued its run within the Asian Video games.

The Philippines will tackle China subsequent. The hosts are wanting to make Gilas pay for a 96-75 loss within the Fiba World Cup final month at Sensible Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s gonna be a troublesome, hard-fought recreation. We’re prepared. I’m positive they’ll be prepared,” Brownlee mentioned of Staff Dragon.

The Scores

Gilas Pilipinas 84 – Brownlee 36, Fajardo 18, Thompson 11, Oftana 7, Perez 6, Kouame 4, Newsome 2, Alas 0, Tolentino 0, Aguilar 0.Iran 83 – Vahedi 24, Rezaeifar 14, Mirzaeitalarposhti 12, Aghajanpour 11, Girgoorian 8, Mashayekhi 6, Kazemi 6, Pazirofteh 2, Shahrian Nasl 0, Gholizadeh Tousarani 0, Torabi 0.