Lebanon EXPOSES Gilas Pilipinas! 21-6 Fourth Quarter Meltdown!

 

Philippines Falls to Lebanon in 2nd Doha International Cup

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough loss against Lebanon, 75-54, in their second game of the 2nd Doha International Cup in Qatar on February 15, 2025. Despite a strong showing in the early quarters, the Philippine national basketball team struggled offensively in the final period, allowing Lebanon to pull away decisively.

Game Recap

The game was highly competitive until the fourth quarter when Lebanon exploded, outscoring the Philippines 21-6 in the final frame. The shooting woes of the Philippines became evident, as they recorded just a 30% field goal percentage and an abysmal 4-of-26 shooting from beyond the arc.

Key Performers

• Philippines:

  • Justin Brownlee led the team with 21 points and 11 rebounds, showing his reliability on both ends of the court.

  • Calvin Oftana contributed 10 points, trying to provide additional scoring support.

  • Dwight Ramos added 5 points but was unable to make a significant impact offensively.

  • June Mar Fajardo struggled, scoring only 2 points while missing all five of his field-goal attempts.

• Lebanon:

  • Gerard Hadidian and Jad Khalil spearheaded the Lebanese offense, each scoring 18 points.

  • Karim Zeinoun contributed 13 points.

  • Ater James Majok added 12 points, helping control the interior.

Turnovers and Defensive Lapses

Gilas Pilipinas' sloppy ball handling contributed to their downfall, as they committed 19 turnovers. Lebanon capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 26 points off turnovers. Additionally, the Philippines struggled to contain Lebanon’s perimeter shooting and inside attacks, leading to their 21-point defeat.

Last Game Recap and Implications

Prior to this defeat, the Philippines secured a thrilling come-from-behind 77-74 victory over Qatar in their opening match. Gilas Pilipinas was down by as much as 12 points before rallying in the fourth quarter, showcasing strong defensive adjustments and clutch shooting. Justin Brownlee played a pivotal role in the comeback, while June Mar Fajardo and Dwight Ramos provided key contributions. The win against Qatar highlighted the team's resilience and ability to execute under pressure.

Next Game and What It Means for Gilas Pilipinas

Gilas Pilipinas is set to face Egypt in their final game of the tournament. This match holds great importance as a win would help them finish with a 2-1 record, which could boost their confidence leading up to the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

A victory against Egypt would also allow the team to regain momentum and refine their chemistry under coach Tim Cone’s system. More importantly, it will provide valuable experience for key players ahead of crucial international competitions, including the upcoming Southeast Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers.

Final Thoughts

The loss to Lebanon is a wake-up call for Gilas Pilipinas, emphasizing the need for better ball security, improved three-point shooting, and stronger fourth-quarter execution. With one more game to go in the Doha International Cup, the national team has a chance to bounce back and prove they can compete against top-tier Asian teams.

Basketball fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team responds in their next challenge against Egypt.