GILAS Pilipinas overcame a flat start to wallop Guam, 87-46, on Friday at the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Calvo Field House in Guam.
Justin Brownlee had 22 points while Quentin Millora Brown was solid in his debut, leading Gilas back after Jericho Cruz staked the home team to a surprising lead in the first quarter.
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The Nationals return home seeking a sweep of Guam in the home-and-away qualifier on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Dwight Ramos had 10 points while the bigs of Gilas dominated the paint against Guam, with June Mar Fajardo finishing with eight points and 10 rebounds, and AJ Edu with eight points and eight rebounds.
Millora-Brown had a sterling Gilas debut marked by six points and 10 rebounds as a surprise starter.
Gilas outscored Guam, 23-12, in the second quarter to grab a 40-29 halftime lead, before finally pulling away with a 24-7 third period.
Cruz had 17 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field as he faced his fellow PBA players including San Miguel teammates Fajardo and Cjay Perez.
The scores:
Philippines 87 – Brownlee 22, Ramos 10, Fajardo 8, Edu 8, Quiambao 7, Perez 7, Thompson 7, Millora-Brown 6, Abarrientos 5, Tamayo 3, Aguilar 2, Newsome 2.
Guam 46 – Cruz 17, Wesley 12, Galloway 8, Johnson 4, Guzman 3, Fegurgur 2, Africano 0, Calvo 0, Blas 0, Hechanova 0, Simon 0, Osborn 0.
Quarters: 17-17; 40-29; 64-36; 87-46.
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