Game on Thursday (Friday, Manila time): 9 p.m. (1 a.m.): Mighty Sports vs Oil Sports Club
DUBAI – Mighty Sports enters the knockout stages of the Dubai International Basketball Championship under a cloud of uncertainty with its star import barely 100-percent fit to play against Oil Sports Club late Thursday night at the Shabab Al Ahli Club.
Justin Brownlee is still nursing a minor knee injury he sustained in the 85-81 win over Al Wahda Club last Tuesday that completed Mighty's four-game sweep of the group phase.
Although the Philippine representative enjoyed a dayoff on Wednesday, Mighty coach Charles Tiu admitted Brownlee is still “banged up and sore” and is listed as a game-time decision as Mighty takes on Oil Sports Club at 9 p.m. (1 a.m., Manila time).
Team co-owner Caesar Wongchuking is optimistic of his prized ward suiting up for the must-win clash against the Iraq-based team.
“He will try to play,” the affable team owner said.
With Brownlee not fully healthy, fellow import Randolph Morris will have to carry more of the load and sustain his solid play that saw the NBA and CBA veteran come off a performance of 19 points, six boards, three assists, two blocks, and one steal in the win over Al Wahda.
Filipino-American wingmen Roosevelt Adams and Jeremiah Gray also continue to flash their potential, while Jason Brickman takes care of the playmaking duties and keeps proving PBA scouts that he’s a potential lottery pick.
“We have the talent to win this tournament, but the playoffs are going to be really tough after the pool games,” Brickman told SPIN.ph. "We just have to play together and improve, and learn from these games, and when we get to that elimination, we play our best basketball.”
Oil Sports Club sealed its face-off against the Philippine squad after losing to Sale of Morocco in the battle for third seed on Wednesday.
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