MANILA — Justin Brownlee rediscovered his offensive rhythm, but Gilas Pilipinas still suffered a punishing 93-66 defeat to powerhouse Australia on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, closing out the second window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a lopsided loss.
Brownlee, who was limited to just four points in the Philippines’ narrow 69-66 loss to New Zealand last Thursday, responded with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a determined all-around performance.
However, the resurgence of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings resident import was not enough to lift Gilas to its first win over the Boomers since 1974.
Gilas Pilipinas showed grit early, keeping pace with the visitors and trailing by only five at halftime, 38-33, after matching Australia’s physicality and defensive intensity.
The game, however, swung decisively in the third quarter.
Australia unleashed a blistering run anchored on sharp outside shooting and suffocating defense, ballooning the lead to 20 points and seizing full control of the contest. The Boomers never looked back, steadily widening the gap in the fourth period and denying Gilas any chance of a late rally.
Elijah Pepper spearheaded Australia’s assault with 28 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, while Tanner Krebs added 18 markers and Tom Wilson chipped in 12 to power the Boomers’ balanced offense.
Aside from Brownlee, Quentin Millora-Brown was the only other Filipino player in double figures with 11 points, as Gilas struggled to generate consistent scoring against Australia’s pressure defense.
With the defeat, Gilas Pilipinas slipped to 2-2 in Group A, while Australia stayed unbeaten at 4-0 to remain firmly atop the standings./PN
