Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Changwon LG Sakers in a tune-up game on September 22, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. Gilas took home the win, 86-81. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Changwon LG Sakers in a tune-up game on September 22, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. Gilas took home the win, 86-81. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Changwon LG Sakers in a tune-up game on September 22, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. Gilas took home the win, 86-81. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Changwon LG Sakers in a tune-up game on September 22, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. Gilas took home the win, 86-81. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Gilas Pilipinas takes on the Changwon LG Sakers in a tune-up game on September 22, 2023 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. Gilas took home the win, 86-81. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
(UPDATED) Gilas Pilipinas foiled South Korean club Changwon LG Sakers, 86-81, during their tuneup game ahead of the 19th Asian Games at Philsports Arena on Friday.
From a 70-all deadlock, the nationals uncorked a 12-5 exchange to gain an 82-75 upperhand against the visitors midway through the fourth period.
But the Koreans managed to fight to within 84-80 with barely three minutes left.
Fortunately for Gilas, Justin Brownlee came through in the clutch with 1:34 remaining to fend off the LG Sakers' comeback.
Brownlee finished with 19 points, while June Mar Fajardo added 16 markers.
Calvin Oftana was also impressive on Friday with his 13 points and 11 rebounds.
American Dante Cunningham notched 18 points for Changwon.
The Gilas lineup for the scrimmage witnessed live by Filipino fans includes the team's new additions CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Kevin Alas, Marcio Lassiter and Arvin Tolentino.
Also in the game were Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Ange Kouame, and Chris Newsome.
The LG Sakers, meanwhile, were reinforced by Cunningham and Reggie Perry, Egyptian Assem Marei and Filipino player Justin Gutang.
Gilas was supposed to take on the Meralco Bolts last Tuesday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, but the game was shelved due to the uncertainties regarding the eligibility of Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, and Mo Tautuaa.
They also postponed their trip to Hangzhou on Saturday to give way for one more training day at home. They will fly to China on Sunday before playing against Bahrain on September 26, Tuesday.