It was a nail-biter, to say the least. The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed an exhilarating basketball encounter as Gilas Pilipinas clinched a narrow one-point victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran, setting the stage for a thrilling semi-final clash against the People’s Republic of China.
In a game that could hardly have been closer, the Gilas Pilipinas showcased a tenacious defensive effort in the final quarter to secure an 84-83 win over Iran. The victory seemed well in hand after three-quarters of a strong performance by the Philippines, leading 71-54 at the end of the third quarter. However, the Iranian squad came roaring back in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Gilas 29-13 and briefly taking the lead.
The game’s defining moment arrived with 44 seconds left on the clock when Justin Brownlee sank a crucial shot from inside the paint, putting the Gilas back in the lead. The Gilas then displayed unwavering determination and solid defense to maintain their slender advantage.
In a frantic finale, Matin Aghajanpour’s missed three-pointer with 25 seconds remaining allowed Calvin Oftana to secure the defensive rebound, granting the Gilas possession and a much-needed sigh of relief.
The game started with the Gilas asserting control and at one point held a commanding 21-point lead. However, Iran’s shooting efficiency faltered, with a mere 44 percent of field goals finding the mark (32 of 73), and six crucial free throws eluding their grasp.
Gilas Pilipinas owed much of their victory to Justin Brownlee, the 6-foot-6 forward, who led the charge with 36 points, including the game-winning basket. Brownlee also contributed significantly in rebounds, securing eight, and assists, providing four. Junemar Fajardo was another standout performer, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
The semi-finals will see Gilas Pilipinas face the host nation, the People’s Republic of China, on Wednesday at 8 p.m. local time. This marks a historic moment for Gilas Pilipinas, as it’s their first appearance in an Asian Games semi-final since 2002. Notably, the Philippines triumphed over China with a convincing 96-75 win during their last encounter at the World Cup just last month. The stage is set for an epic showdown, as basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this exciting semi-final clash.
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