Gilas pilipinas: Gilas Pilipinas ripped Guam, 87-46, to begin its quest for a fourth consecutive appearance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the University of Guam Calvo Field House on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gilas manhandled Guam the rest of the way despite a solid first quarter and an eruption from Filipino-Guamanian Jericho Cruz of the Philippine Basketball Association's San Miguel Beer. Guam surprised Gilas early on as the team took a 12-8 lead midway through the first quarter.
Gilas recovered and eventually pulled away late in the second period to blow the game wide open. Justin Brownlee led Gilas with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Dwight Ramos added 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Quentin Millora-Brown had a solid Gilas debut with six points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks. Gilas will host the return leg of the World Cup Qualifier (WCQ) home-and-home set at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City on Dec. 1.
Cruz finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Guam, but had six turnovers.
