MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Despite missing several key players, Gilas Pilipinas managed to defeat Lebanon 107-96 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, thanks to their collective effort.
After a couple of months of naturalization, Justin Browlee finally played his first game as a Filipino, scoring 17 points while the 26-year-old winger Jamie Malozon tallied 15 points. Teen Mason Amos who also debuted his first game was spectacular with 13 points.
Returning gunner Jordan Heading, Ray Parks Jr., and Japan campaigner Dwight Ramos all chipped in 10 points leading the team to great momentum.
Meanwhile, World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez had a combined score of 17 points.
The victory extended the Philippines’ winning streak in the continental showcase to four games and ended the visitors’ lead at five games.
Gilas Pilipinas clinched a great comeback with Lebanon from last year’s defeat, 85-81, including their match in FIBA Asia Cup at Jakarta 95-80.
Gilas Pilipinas to implement new adjustments in Jordan match
Fresh from a great triumph, Gilas Pilipinas will implement a few adjustments in their final play-off in FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Jordan, which will be held again at the Philippine Arena,
This is after the national basketball team won against Lebanon, 107-96, last Friday.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes said that they had planned a good defense to snap victory against Lebanon which beat them last year.
Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the country’s legislators for speeding up the naturalization process of Justin Brownlee, who led the game against Lebanon.
Although the FIBA World Cup is still in August, Reyes believes that his team now has a solid foundation, everyone understands each other’s movements so there was no problem with the ball rotation. –WhatALife!/Charles
Also Read: Gilas Pilipinas leaves for the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying game
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