Gilas Pilipinas takes on powerhouse France as #FIBAOQT Manila tips off

The Philippine national men’s basketball team looks for a massive upset versus European powerhouse France as they clash on the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Gilas Pilipinas and the Les Bleus lock horns at 9 p.m. after the curtain-raiser between Canada and Turkey at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be aired live on TV5.

After almost two months of rigorous training, Gilas Pilipinas gets tested on the very first day of the competition by taking on the former European champions.

Backed by the rowdy hometown fans packing the arena, the Filipinos are hoping to pull off an upset of a lifetime as they aim to keep the country’s Olympic dreams alive.

But it is easier said than done, as France is the overwhelming favorite to win it all. The squad, bannered by NBA players Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Nic Batum, has a deep roster that can easily catapult them to a trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Batum isn’t expected to play, but that doesn’t rob France of firepower as it still has the likes of reigning EuroLeague MVP Nando De Colo and Joffrey Lauvergne, another NBA player.

Gilas Pilipinas is leaning on naturalized player Andray Blatche and Jayson Castro to carry the cudgels anew for the country. Also representing the country are June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Terrence Romeo, Japeth Aguilar, Ray Parks, Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario, Jeff Chan, Marc Pingris and Ranidel De Ocampo.

Fans coming to the venue are encouraged to wear white in support of Gilas Pilipinas. -interaksyon.com

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