Knockouts host Saudi Arabia in overtime
Wednesday’s game
(Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City)
2 pm (7 pm Manila time) – Australia vs Philippines
It never gets old.
Justin Brownley (JB) (JB) is Mr. Cruge, Mr. Big Shooter, and his team needs him to turn the defeat into the victory circle.
It becomes even more spectacular when JB does it for Gilas Pilipinas.
Mr. Brownley brought his move to the international stage from his PBA with Barangay Ginebra.
He led the Nationals in an amazing run of the Asian Games gold medals in Hangzhou in 2023, and then showed off his tour in the amazing frustration of host Latvia in last year’s Olympic qualifiers.
On Tuesday night, Gilas’ naturalized players held another show in Jeddah, with the Philippines facing knockout eligibility in the FIBA Asian Cup to reach the quarter-finals against his hometown Saudi Arabia.
Mr Brownley took on his old role at coach Tim Cone, leading an 8-2 closed barrage covered by the big Trey, providing momentum for a guts of 95-88 win in overtime and a 95-88 win for the Pinoys, delighting both the Jeddah venue and the Pinoys at home until they get home until they catch up on TV at 2:00 a.m.
That epic W takes the Filipino to the tough final duel of defending champion Australia’s champion Australia at 2pm on Wednesday (Manila time).
“This is the moment every player dreams about, and when the game is tense, drive the wires toward the wires and the atmosphere is like (Tuesday).” Mr Brownley said.
“I can’t really say it’s a clutch gene or something I developed. When you see an opportunity as a player, you have to pursue it. It’s not always good for you. Obviously, you can’t make every step or do your best every moment, but you just need the courage to take those opportunities.”
After Mr Brownley eliminated a six-point deficit in the last 1:24 of the regulations, Kevin Quiambau (17 points) and AJ Edu (17-11) joined their naturalization player to join the deal with a 16-9 mark.
Next came the mighty baby boomers who swept Group A on their way to the dormitory. This will be the Gilas-Australia show since the infamous Bulacan quarrel in 2018 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
“We didn’t expect to play early in the game. But we lost the first two games (China Taipi in Group D and New Zealand), so we could get us here. However, we think if we were to do something special in this game, we would have to do something special in Australia,” Mr Cone said.
“So it’s in front of us. We’re going to do our best.”
Hopefully Justin Brownlee’s performance will have a chance to succeed with the world’s No. 7 Boomers. If they succeed, the last four showdowns with Iran or Taiwan are waiting. – Olmin Leyba
Fraction
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Quiambo 17, Edu 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Perez 0, Aguilar 0, Malonzo 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur Rahkman 33, Al Suwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Almarwani 4, Kadi 3, Belal 3, Mohammed Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
One quarter: 25-15; 40-37; 60-59; 79-79; 95-88
