Manila, Philippines – Here are Gilas’ Fiba World Cup prospects after two straight defeats, along with Asian rankings for Olympic qualification.

The Philippine basketball squad still has hope.

To advance to the Round of 16 in the Fiba Basketball World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas would need to work extremely hard and for the stars to align.

The Philippines, who are currently tied for last position in Group A with a 0-2 record after losing to Angola 70-80, is hoping for a triple-tie.

The Philippines would move up to second place in the group with a win by the Dominican Republic over Angola on Tuesday and a victory by the Gilas over Italy by a score of 13 points.

Italy aims to recover

The Dominican Republic defeated Italy, ranked No. 10, 87-82, to win its second game in a row.

For the Dominicans to win Group A, Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four triples.

For Italy in the loss, Marco Spissu scored 17 points, while Simone Fontecchio contributed 13.

Currently, Italy and Angola are tied for second place with a 1-1 record.

Olympic bid by the Gilas

Japan is now in the lead among Asian nations competing in the Fiba Basketball World Cup, with China, Iran, and Jordan still to play.

After the Fiba Basketball World Cup, the top Asian team will be awarded a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Japan defeated Finland by a score of 98-88 to earn a victory and even its Group E record at 1-1.

South Sudan played China on Monday after China’s opening match was lost to Serbia, 63-105.

Iran plays Ivory Coast after losing to Brazil 59–100.

Jordan will play New Zealand in an effort to recover from a 71-92 setback to Greece.

Obena purchases silver

EJ Obiena finished the World Athletics Championships with a silver medal this time.

Obiena, who won the bronze medal with a 5.94-meter vault last year, cleared 6.0 meters on Sunday to place second.

With a 6.10 jump, Mondo Duplantis of Sweden won another world championship.