In a nail-biting contest at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Gilas Pilipinas secured a one-point victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran, keeping their medal hopes alive.

After dominating the first three quarters of the game, Gilas Pilipinas found themselves in a tight spot as Iran mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Philippines 29-13.

The victory appeared secure as the Philippines held a 71-54 lead at the end of the third quarter, but Iran’s spirited effort in the final period brought the game to the edge. Enhance your basketball viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.

Justin Brownlee emerged as the hero, sinking a crucial shot from inside the paint with 44 seconds remaining, putting Gilas Pilipinas back in the lead. The team’s resilient defense held off Iran in the closing seconds.

The game ended in a frantic fashion, with Matin Aghajanpour missing a three-pointer for Iran, and Calvin Oftana securing the defensive rebound for Gilas Pilipinas.

Despite starting the game with a commanding lead of up to 21 points, Iran’s struggles with shooting, including missing six of their 13 free throws, cost them the game.

Justin Brownlee played a pivotal role in Gilas Pilipinas’ victory, contributing 36 points, including the game-winning shot. He also led the team in rebounds with eight and assists with four. Junemar Fajardo added to the effort with eight rebounds, four assists, and 18 points.

Gilas Pilipinas now sets their sights on the semi-finals against the People’s Republic of China, scheduled for 8 pm local time on Wednesday. This marks the first time Gilas Pilipinas has reached the semi-finals of the Asian Games since 2002. In their previous encounter at this year’s World Cup last month, the Philippines defeated China 96-75, setting the stage for an intense showdown. Get the latest updates from the world of basketball only on Nextbet Sports.