Gilas Pilipinas pulled off one of the most incredible victories in Philippine basketball history by defeating host nation Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) early morning Thursday (Philippine time).
The game, which unfolded in the early hours for Filipino viewers, left basketball enthusiasts and casual observers wide awake and buzzing with excitement.
FIBA, caught up in the thrill of the upset, even posted a playful Filipino phrase: “Teka lang, Gilas highlights are on the way 😁🇵🇭 #FIBAOQT.”
Teka lang, Gilas highlights are on the way 😁🇵🇭 #FIBAOQT
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 3, 2024
The match concluded with a historic 89-80 win for the Philippines, further intensifying the social media frenzy.
Hahahaha si @fiba nagtagalog na hahahaha
— Dijjjjj🍄 🌃 | … ay nako talaga (@OnceDj920) July 3, 2024
Nice One tagalog
Sarap Tulog kahit panalo
— Franklin Montes (Frank Dalmacio Montes Ghongs) (@Frankli10763619) July 3, 2024
Si Admin nag-Tagalog🤣
247am, gising pa📢— Big Bert Sy🇵🇭🇺🇸 (@ProfessorUno) July 3, 2024
This victory has placed Gilas Pilipinas on the brink of advancing to the OQT semifinals, a crucial step towards securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
But this triumph is already monumental as the 37th-ranked Gilas team managed to upset the 6th-ranked Latvia on their home turf, stunning thousands of disappointed fans.
🇵🇭 GILAS PILIPINAS TAKE DOWN WORLD No 6! 😱#FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/H6K7RE91B6
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 3, 2024
FIBA also highlighted the historical significance of this win, marking the first time in 64 years that the Philippines has defeated a European nation in a basketball competition.
🇵🇭 Gilas Pilipinas upset Latvia and claim their first win against European opposition in an official FIBA competition since 1960! #FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/hwhSkvMTP1
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 3, 2024
