Gilas Pilipinas' Cinderella story ended in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) semifinals with a 71-60 elimination loss to Brazil at Arena Riga. The game began on a positive note for the Philippines, who built an early double-digit lead (22-12) and maintained a substantial advantage until halftime.

Gilas Pilipinas achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga following their Thursday game against Georgia. And it seems even the team itself didn't expect to stay in Latvia for so long.

Gilas Pilipinas did what few expected of them before the start of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia. Gilas advanced to the semifinal stage, and Justin Brownlee was game MVP once again. After being short one rebound and one assist to a triple-double on Wednesday, the 36-year-old forward recorded a game-high 26 points, alongside 8 rebounds and 7 assists for 32 EFF.

Justin Brownlee was the MVP of the game which Gilas Pilipinas fans are going to remember for a long time, as the Philippines defeated no. 6-ranked Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga. It was a night to remember, the veteran forward says. Brownlee scored a game-high 26 points and was just 1 rebound and 1 assist away from a triple-double, recording 33 EFF along the way.