Gilas Defeated Iran, Enters Semis:
The Philippine men’s basketball team, Gilas, defeated Iran and clinched its first Asian Games Semis berth since 2002. The victory against the Iranians ended in a heart-stopping action as they survived a late run from the Iranians, who made a massive comeback but fell short as the game ended with 84-83 in favor of Gilas Pilipinas.
Naturalized Filipino player and former PBA Import Justin Brownlee exploded with 36 points; 16 came out in the first quarter alone. He also provided the much-needed offensive power in the third period with a 15-point production in just one period.
Gilas Pilipinas was leading by as many as 21 points in the third period, 62-41, and by 17 at the start of the final quarter, 71-54, but they suffered a nearly humiliating 22-7 comeback by the determined Iranians, cutting the deficit to a single possession, 78-76, off from an impressive layup from Mohammadsina Vehedi at 3:35 mark.
The Iranian Vahedi followed up with a three in the last two minutes and even pushed Iran ahead, 81-82, off the free throws at the 1:33 mark.
Gilas mainstays and veterans June Mar Fajardo and Justin Brownlee remained composed as they provided two clutch layups in the last minute of regulation, 84-82, as Iran failed to muster a huge comeback victory.
PBA MVP JuneMar Fajardo made an impressive performance, finishing with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds, and four assists, while fellow PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, one of the smallest guys on the court, added 11 points and six rebounds.
Gilas’ defeat of Iran will bring them to the Semis against a familiar foe, the home team China, for a shot at a medal at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. China defeated South Korea with the final score of 84-70 in their Quarterfinal match.
Watch the Highlights of Gilas vs. Iran:
The last time the Gilas Pilipinas squad faced China was during the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, with the Filipinos winning against the Chinese with the final score of 96-75.
Before gaining a semi-final slot in the basketball tournament of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippines took down Bahrain and Thailand before falling to the Jordan squad. In the quarters, they defeated Qatar to face Iran. They won against the former Asian Games champion.
Gilas Defeated Iran ScoreBoard:
Philippines 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.
Quarters: 28-22, 48-36, 71-54, 84-83.
