eGilas 4th in World Finals

eGilas 4th in World Finals

MANILA, Philippines — eGilas came close to pulling the rug from under heavy favorite United States in Game 1 of the best-of-three eFIBA World Finals semis in Jonkoping, Sweden, last weekend but failed to sustain the momentum in losing both contests in the series and eventually wound up fourth after dropping a playoff for bronze to Turkey.

The eight-nation competition brought together the best of the best NBA2K24 video specialists from around the world after regional qualifiers with the Philippines and Lebanon representing Asia. The teams were split into two groups of four. In the elims, eGilas compiled a 2-1 record to finish second and book a ticket to the semis. The Philippines started with a 75-22 rout of Lebanon, lost a 53-41 decision to Turkey and disposed of Morocco, 52-43.

The Philippines and USA scrimmaged before the tournament started with both sides splitting wins. Action was tense in Game 1 of the semis opener as undefeated USA trailed in the early going with eGilas sprinting to a 21-11 lead. The Philippines led, 21-15 at the half then USA dropped a 12-4 bomb in the third quarter to seize the intiative. USA went on to win, 43-33. LCB Banzon led eGilas with 14 points. In Game 2, USA wouldn’t be denied a trip to the finals, roaring to a 26-17 halftime lead and closing it out, 67-33 with Arteyo Dimez collecting 11 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists in a triple double. DonPrich Diez scored 10 points for the Philippines. Banzon and Ice Alindada hit eight apiece. Social Mallillin chipped in six and Clue Gutierrez, one.

In the knockout playoff for third, Turkey repeated over eGilas, 62-46. SBP president Al Panlilio cited eGilas for proudly representing the country in the first-ever, on-site eFIBA World Finals. “I just want to congratulate the eGilas team for making it to the semis and eventually finish fourth after a solid series with the eventual champion USA in the eFIBA Season 2 World Finals,” said Panlilio. “I am so proud of the team for representing the Philippines. We just have to continue to get better and maybe someday, hold that championship trophy.”

The Philippine delegation was led by SBP official Xavier Gubat. Richard Brojan was team manager and Philippe Herrero, assistant team manager. Coaches were Nite Alparas and Kristian Cuaresma.