By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas was far from perfect in its first competitive game after returning to training camp. But it is surely not coming to the FIBA Asia Cup without a fighting heart.
The Nationals rode on a fiery second half rally and turned back the visiting Macau Black Bears, 103-98, to get a challenging yet much-needed tuneup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday, July 28.
Gilas overcame a lethargic start that saw Macau led by as many as 21 points with guys like CJ Perez, AJ Edu and Justin Brownlee injecting life to the fight and sparking the searing rally to outscore the visiting team, 57-35.
More than getting the offensive rhythm in the last two quarters, it was the defense of Gilas that made things happen as, after allowing the Black Bears to explode for 63 points at the half, forced them to consecutive turnovers that allowed the Nationals go on a run.
Justin Brownlee, playing his first game since the Commissioners Cup Finals, exploded 32 points – 15 of which he poured in the final frame including the booming triple that put Gilas ahead 87-85.
The floodgates simply opened from there for Gilas with Dwight Ramos providing ample support to Brownlee with 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals while AJ Edu added 15.
Brownlee also hauled down 15 rebounds while Kevin Quiambao and Scottie Thompson chipped in 14 and 10.
