Olympics remains a dream

MANILA, Philippines — No go for Gilas Pilipinas.

The gallant Nationals carried out “Mission: Paris Olympics” with the fervor of fanatical warriors but hit the end of the road with a 60-71 semifinal loss to Brazil last night in Latvia.

The world No. 12 Brazilians unleashed a furious 24-6 assault in the third quarter to extinguish the fire the 37th-ranked Filipino started in the first 20 minutes.

By dodging the upset axe, the South Americans marched on to the duel for the lone ticket to the 2024 Olympiad that’s up for grabs in the Riga section of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The Brazilians face either world No. 6 and host Latvia or No. 68 Cameroon in the finale tonight.

As for coach Tim Cone and his brave 11, it’s time to use that return ticket to Manila that they had to rebook after getting past group play.

And their work to bring the country back to the Olympics will continue for the next four years with the next Games in Los Angeles as a new target.

But the Nationals will fly home with heads held high having given themselves a chance in the chase for Paris.

In Group A play, Cone and Co. not only showed they could compete but also beat a mighty European team – host Latvia at that, 89-80. They fell short in a 94-96 loss to No. 23 Georgia but still went on to advance to the semis.

Against Brazil, a team the country hasn’t beaten in four prior matchups since 1952, the Pinoy dribblers summoned all their willpower to get it done even without Kai Sotto (out on rib injury).

With Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee as spearhead, Gilas roared to a 22-10 after the first 10 minutes of action. It still had control in the second, leading 30-19, before settling for a 33-27 margin heading to the break.

But then veterans Marcelinho Huertas and Bruno Caboclo presided over a 14-0 salvo after restart as Brazil wrested command and never relinquished it using stifling defense and clutch shooting.

The Brazilians held Justin Brownlee to 15, his lowest output after averaging 27 in pool play. June Mar Fajardo had a 10-10 double-double in the loss.