Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

For the first time in 25 years, Gilas Pilipinas will step on an Asian Games podium and have medals wrapped around their necks.

Justin Brownlee knocked down back-to-back triples late as Gilas Pilipinas hammered out a dramatic 77-76 comeback win over host China in the 19th Asian Games men’s basketball semifinals on Wednesday at the Hangzhou Olympic Center Gymnasium.

The long-time PBA import sank two booming treys under the final minute as the Philippines stole the lead protected by China throughout the second half.

Gilas then completed a stop towards the end as Zhang Zhenlin muffed a shot from point-blank, allowing the Philippines to escape and guarantee themselves of a silver medal in the prestigious meet.

Coincidentally, the Philippine men’s basketball national team finished second in the 1990 Asiad also held in China. They last medaled in 1998, placing third.

Brownlee finished with 33 points, shooting 7-of-12 from deep, five rebounds, and four assists.

No more than 24 hours ago, Brownlee dropped 36 points as Gilas escaped Iran to make the tournament final four.

Scottie Thompson added 13 points and eight boards while June Mar Fajardo and CJay Perez both chipped in eight points each.

After a tight opening quarter, China pulled away with a 29-13 second frame and held the lead throughout the second half.

Gilas fought back, with Kevin Alas pulling the squad within 71-67 halfway into the fourth period.

China responded with five straight points that extended the gap up to 76-67, just as things looked dim for Gilas with 3:07 left.

But coach Tim Cone’s troops persevered, eventually outscoring China, 27-14 in the payoff period. Gilas will rematch with Jordan for a chance to capture its first gold medal in the event since 1962.

The Scores:
Gilas Pilipinas (77) – Brownlee 33, Thompson 13, Fajardo 8, Perez 8, Alas 5, Newsome 4, Oftana 4, Kouame 2, Aguilar 0, Lassiter 0, Ross 0.

China (76) – Zhao 18, Zhu 10, Wang 10, Hu M. 10, Zhao J. 9, Hu 8, Du 6, Zhang 4, Cui 1, Cheng 0. Quarter scores: 17-19, 30-48, 50-62, 77-76.

Written by Levi Joshua Verora Jr.