PBBM lauds Gilas for historic win vs. Latvia

FILE: SHOW OF SUPPORT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Gilas Pilipinas players during their game against the Dominican Republic at the opening of the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Friday (Aug. 25, 2023). (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended Gilas Pilipinas for its victory against powerhouse Latvia in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) early Thursday.

In a social media post, Marcos joined Filipinos in celebrating the national team’s historic win, the first against a European squad since the Philippines defeated Spain during the 1960 Rome Olympic Games.

“64 years in the making and worth every second! Congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas for their victory against world number 6, Latvia, at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament,” Marcos said.

Behind the scintillating performance of naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee, Gilas Pilipinas scored an 89-80 victory on the Latvian’s home turf.

The President also sent his well wishes to Gilas Pilipinas as it looks to sweep the group phase of the FIBA OQT when it plays Georgia at 8:30 p.m. Thursday (Manila time).

“We are all cheering you on from home – let’s shoot for Paris Olympics! Good luck!” he said.

A win by the Filipinos will assure them of a ticket for the knockout semifinal round and will keep alive their hopes of returning to the Olympics.