Gilas Pilipinas had a fitting send-off ahead of their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign in August.
After trailing by as much as 21, the nationals made a successful comeback against the Macau Black Bears, 103-98, during their faceoff at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday evening, July 28.
This was the last home game for Gilas before their Jeddah trip as they continue their build-up for the Asia Cup later this week.
Starring for the Philippines was Justin Brownlee, who had finally returned following his previous thumb injury during the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, with the Barangay Ginebra star posting 32 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
Fan-favorite Dwight Ramos wowed the crowd with 19 markers, six dimes and four boards. AJ Edu provided power with 15 points — two of which came as a statement dunk against Quentin Millora-Brown — three rebounds and two assists, while Kevin Quiambao and Scottie Thompson delivered 14 and 10 points, respectively.
“The first half, we just tried to catch our first wind, and in the second half, we did what we were supposed to do,” said Ramos of Gilas, who made their fightback in the third canto. “So hopefully, in the Asia Cup, we can do it for 40 minutes.”
Ramos also pointed out how playing in front of a home crowd helped them in their comeback, saying that it was not for them to let their fans down.
“That’s why we came back. We couldn’t lose in front of Filipinos. It’s embarrassing. We were feeling a little bit embarrassed, that’s why we stepped it up,” he said.
“We just emphasized defense, that’s what we did.”
With the help of Thompson’s triple at the end of the third frame that got them to within two, 81-79, the nationals went on a 14-to-four charge to start the fourth, and this allowed them to overtake Macau, 93-85, after a Quiambao and-one at the 5:38 mark
The Black Bears, however, retaliated and made it a 96-94 contest with still over three minutes left in the game, but Chris Newsome, Brownlee and Edu charged on a seven-to-two spurt to finally seal the victory.
Millora-Brown had a quiet six points and seven rebounds for Macau, and leading their team were William Douglas and Archibald Amorie Anthony, who scored 23 and 22 markers, respectively.
Gilas now turns their attention to Chinese Taipei, which they will be facing on August 6, New Zealand on August 7, and Iraq on August 9. They will also have another friendly against Jordan on August 2 just before the Asia Cup proper opens. (ABS-CBN News)
GILAS PILIPINAS 103 — Brownlee 32, Ramos 19, Edu 15, Quiambao 14, Thompson 10, Perez 7, Newsome 2, Abarrientos 2, Malonzo 2, Aguilar 0, Tamayo 0.
MACAU BLACK BEARS 98 — Douglas 23, Anthony 22, Leung 17, Peek 14, Shackelford 7, Millora-Brown 6, Dennis 5, Ndiaye 2, Obasa 2, Micek 0.
Quarterscores: 25-33, 46-63, 79-81, 103-98.