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Gilas Pilipinas is off to the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, despite losing to Georgia, 96-94, Thursday night (Manila time). 

And shock the world Gilas Pilipinas did.

SBP president Al Panlilio witnessed history unfold before his eyes in Riga as Gilas stunned host Latvia, 89-80, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament last Wednesday night to book the Philippines’ first win over a European team since scoring an 84-82 decision over Spain in the 1960 Olympics.

Gilas Pilipinas absorbed a hapless 141-45 beating at the hands of the reigning champion and world No. 1 USA to bow out of contention in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup Wednesday at the Sinan Erdem Dome, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Gilas Pilipinas’ strong start “created a sort of panic” for powerhouse Latvia, head coach Luca Banchi admitted, as the Asian team stunned the hometown bets early Thursday morning (Manila time).