Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Justin Brownlee in a Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers game at Philippine Arena. –FIBA PHOTO
Gilas Pilipinas’ spirited comeback led by Justin Brownlee fell short as it bowed to Jordan, 91-90, to wrap up its Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign on Monday at Philippine Arena.
The Filipinos rallied from 25 points down with Brownlee, who is playing just his second game for the national team, leading the way with 41 big points, but couldn’t make their shots in the final minute and a half that could’ve given the home team the victory.
After Brownlee put Gilas Pilipinas within 91-90 with 1:30 left, the nationals missed several attempts to get the lead for the first time since their first basket for 2-0.
Scottie Thompson muffed two crucial free throws before Ray Parks missed a game-winning attempt as the time expired.
The Filipinos, already qualified for the Fiba World Cup, split their n0-bearing homestand after dominating Lebanon, 107-96, on Friday at the same venue.
Brownlee, who had a phenomenal debut weekend for Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player, unleashed five triples as he poured 17 points in the third-quarter rally that put the Filipinos within striking distance of Jordan, 70-64. He also had 10 rebounds and three assists in the loss.
Jamie Malonzo added 11 points for Gilas Pilipinas. Jordan Heading and Thompson had nine apiece.
Jordan, which is already through to the global showcase hosted by the Philippines in August, came out of the gates firing and built a 41-16 lead barely two minutes into the second quarter.
Dar Tucker paced the visitors with 22 points along with 12 rebounds while Freddy Ibrahim posted 19 points and eight assists.
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