FIBA ASIA CUP 2017 : GILAS PILIPINAS SWEEPS GROUP B AS MORE THAN 2000 FILIPINOS CHEER ON

Gilas Pilipinas went on to sweep Group A of the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut, Lebanon by beating Qatar, 80 - 74. With June Mar Fajardo still injured and Christian Standhardinger also sitting out due to a bad case of stiff neck, the Philippines had to rely on the sweet shooting of Matthew Right who finished with 25 points which included 7 three pointers.

Calvin Abueva also slipped in the second quarter and was not able to come back, our big guys having early foul trouble and Terrence Romeo was also misfiring, Gilas Pilipinas was able to play good team ball and had great performances from Gabe Norwood and Carl Bryan Cruz.

But what made this win special is that more than 15 bus fulls of Filipinos came out to support the team and the stadium felt like homecourt for the team. It is really amazing how Filipinos support Gilas where ever they play. They also get a chance to meet their idols after the game.

More than 2,000 Filipinos in Beirut to meet the Gilas Pilipinas: https://t.co/dfQQEM8F7X 😵🇵🇭🎉 #FIBAAsiaCup2017 pic.twitter.com/wWKj5xlkSX

— FIBA (@FIBA) August 13, 2017

With this win, Gilas Pilipinas advances automatically to the the quarterfinals, joining other top teams from the other groups - Australia, New Zealand and Iran. They will be battling against the winner of the game tonight between Korea and Japan. Whoever wins will definitely be a challenge for Gilas since both Korea has been a constant antagonist of Gilas while Japan gave us a good fight in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships.

With 3 days rest, the Filipinos will definitely prepare hard for the game on Wednesday. Surely, Standhardinger and Abueva will be back to play and all are playing for June Mar to be able to play as well.

Laban Pilipinas!

GILAS PILIPINAS : ROAD TO FIBA OQT

Tickets has been released for the 2 tune up games to be played here in Manila as part of the preparations of the team for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will be held in Manila starting July 5.

The team will first face Iran in a 2 day tryst on June 7 and 8. The June 7 game will be a closed door scrimmage while the June 8 game is an actual game in the Smart Araneta Coliseum and will be televised by Sports 5.

The team will then head on to Europe for a series of tune up games and will also join a pocket tournament there,

Check out the schedule of Gilas: Road To Glory tune-up games! Watch it LIVE on TV5! #LabanPilipinas #PUSO pic.twitter.com/of0IfqR6Wn

— Sports5 (@Sports5PH) May 31, 2016

The team will have its final tune up game against Turkey on July 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The 14 man line up that will be joining the Europe training is expected to be announced on Wednesday, June 8.