MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas closed out the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a lopsided 92-49 loss to Australia last night at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
The Boomers seized control early behind Mitch Creek, who scored eight quick points to spark the hosts’ offense. Gilas briefly kept pace as Kevin Quiambao knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to tie the game at 8-8.
Australia quickly took command, however, unleashing a 14-0 scoring run highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Bryce Cotton to build a commanding 33-14 lead.
The Philippines showed signs of life in the second quarter, tightening its defense and limiting the Boomers to just eight points in the period. Veteran center June Mar Fajardo capitalized on Australia’s penalty situation, helping Gilas trim the deficit to 14 points by halftime.
The Boomers regained full control after the break, combining efficient inside scoring and outside shooting in the third quarter to stretch their lead to as many as 26 points and pull away for the convincing victory.
Cotton led the Boomers’ offense with 21 points, Tyler Proctor added 16 markers, while Creek and Josh Bannan had 13 and 11, respectively, as they concluded the first round of qualifiers with a 6-0 record.
Dwight Ramos finished with nine points to lead Gilas Pilipinas, Quiambao and Fajardo added eight apiece, while Mike Phillips finished with six points and 12 rebounds as they fell to a 2-4 mark.
Naturalized player Justin Brownlee sat up the match due to a hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg, as well as swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee.
Despite the loss, the Philippines advanced to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers along with Australia and New Zealand, the top three teams from Pool A.
In the next phase of the qualifiers, Gilas, the Boomers, and the Tall Blacks will be grouped with Jordan, Syria, and Iran as they continue their bid for a place in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup./PN
