Basketball: Brazil roar back to beat Philippines 71-60 in Riga and reach FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament final

The Brazilians came out swinging at the start of the second quarter reducing the deficit to seven points (26-19) before the Philippines reclaimed their lead courtesy of an on-fire Justin Brownlee. Brownlee has been a revelation throughout the tournament – averaging 27 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists – and carried the form into the do-or-die semi-final.

Brazil launched a late charge in the second quarter to get within six points (33-27) of the Philippines at the half-time break.

The momentum swung in Brazil’s favour as they fought their way within a point before taking the lead for the first time since the first quarter courtesy of a Leo Meindl three-pointer.

Brazil’s more aggressive offensive effort coupled with better defensive coverage of Brownlee ultimately gave them the edge in the third quarter where they scored 24 points to the Philippines’ six.

The third quarter saw Brazil turn a six-point deficit into a 12-point advantage (51-39) going into the fourth and final period.

The Gilas clawed their way back to withing seven points, but Brazil absorbed the pressure before going clear again as they ended the Asian team’s hopes of reaching a first Olympic Games since Munich 1972.

“It was a helluva ride for us and it was a dream come true for a lot of the guys being able to play in this tournament and have another shot at getting to the Olympics,” the Philippines’ Chris Newsome told Olympics.com.

“We fell short, but we still hope we made our country proud. There is so much more we have to look forward to because we have a batch of young guys.”