28 Feb Brownlee scores 41 but Gilas Pilipinas’ comeback try falls short
Gilas Pilipinas saw its comeback bid fell short as they lost to Jordan, 91-90, in their final game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers at the Philippine Arena last February 27, 2023.
Justin Brownlee poured in 41 points as he led a rally attempt by Gilas Pilipinas from 25 points down. However, Gilas couldn’t complete the comeback after Scottie Thompson missed two free throws with 31.3 seconds to play in the game.
Even after Thompson’s miss, Gilas still had a shot at stealing the win but Bobby Ray Parks Jr. was unable to connect on the short jumper in the final possession.
The Philippines and Jordan ended up with similar 6-4 win-loss marks following the result of the contest.
“It was a nightmare start for us. Credit to Jordan. They came out very sharp and a very good game plan. They prepared for us really well. You saw that in the score in the first half,” Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said.
“Credit to our guys for not giving up. We were 25 points down and we clawed our way back and gave ourselves a chance. In the end, that’s what these games are for,” Reyes said.
Gilas fell behind at the half, 60-41, thanks to the hot shooting of Jordan, which shot 56 percent in the first half. Dar Tucker had 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Freddy Ibrahim added 19 points and eight assists for Jordan.
