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Despite November sweep, Gilas falls in latest FIBA rankings

Kiefer Ravena tries to scoop in a layup against the Chinese Taipei defense in their FIBA World Cup Qualifiers match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Nov. 27. Gilas won, 90-83, but the team still slipped in the latest FIBA rankings. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Going 2-0 to start a FIBA World Cup Qualifiers campaign doesn't necessarily mean a rise in the FIBA rankings.

That was something Gilas realized after losing one spot in the latest update released late Monday night.

The Philippine squad slipped to 31st overall and fifth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Gilas suffered a downgrade despite back-to-back wins against Japan and Chinese Taipei last week to open its WCQ stint.

In fact, Australia, which also went 2-0 against the said nations, dropped one spot to 10th overall, although it remains the top nation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Team USA, which sent in a lineup consisting of NBA G-League stars for the WCQ, is still number one in the world.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno