Gilas make it rain at Philippine Arena, ties three-point record in Asian Qualifiers

The Philippines made it rain in their first game at the Philippine Arena in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers to beat Lebanon, 107-96.

on 27 February against Jordan. That game will also be played at the Philippine Areana, the venue of the Final Phase of the World Cup later this year.

All but one player got on the scoreboard for the Philippines with six players scoring in double-digits led by hyped-up debutant Justin Brownlee (17 points).

Brownlee had an efficient 17 points on 50 percent shooting to go with 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

Another debutant, Mason Amos, was also impressive in his first Gilas stint, putting up 13 points without a single miss, including three three-pointers.

Lebanon could not keep up with the Philippine in this game even with Amir Saoud (27 points) and Hayk Gyokchyan (21 points), and Sergio El Darwich (19 points) provided a lot of firepower. The Cedars had a very efficient game offensively, shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the threepoint line, but the Philippines were able to do so

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN WIN OR LOSE, GILAS BENEFITS

Sad that out coverage piece could not beat the printing deadline.

Our “gwapings” were going for the jumpball versus their Lebanese counterparts at the 55,000 seat Philippine Arena as the deadline closed.

Regardless if they win or lose, Gilas may just be going through the motion of discovering who among the “Dirty Dozen” will make it to the FIBA Worlds proper in August - like a final try-out.

Nothing is actually at stake for the Pinoys except pride (and prestige) because they are playing before a basketball-crazy nation of 100 million population.

A victory would certainly build up their level of confidence as well as earn the shower of compliements from the sports community.

But with only JunMar Fajartdo manning the slot, I cannot imagine how - outnumbered - will he bang bodies against the much taller and heftier opponents whose style of play is patterned after the rough and tough European circuit.

High leaping, slamdunking Japeth Aguilar and 7’3” superboy Kai Sotto are out for good reasons. There’s 18-year old ex-Gilas cadet Mason Amos who is touted to be a bruiser who can lend Fajardo a hand but I don’t know if he can withstand the bruising and the shoving from his older, more experienced Lebanese foes.

The coaching staff may have to switch Justin Brownlee whose ability to defend and haul down defensive rebounds will give Fajardo some breathing spell in the 48 minute tussle expected to be a “grudge” rematch.

Gilas lost to the Cedars when the former came to visit, 81-85 in the fifth window.

There’s no question that the 1, 2, 3 & 4 positions are ably filled by PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks. Jr., Dwight Ramos, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana and Fil-Ausie gunner Jordan Heading.

Quite naturally, any opposing coach worth his salt would notice how small Gilas is in the middle.

Meaning, the Cedars will ex- ploit this weakness and concentrate on high post plays to try and commit Fajardo to get into foul trouble.

If Gilas’ outside shooting find their range, this will bother the Cedars’ defensive strategy.

I reckon a fast paced, nonstop, double teaming full court pressure by Gilas will give the Lebanese guards - who are not known to be excellent ball cariiers - plenty of headaches.

Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy, Parks, Jr, Malonzo and Oftana were part of the Gilas team that fought Lebanon laast year.

With the home court edge, their previous experience will help Gilas employ an intelligent heads -up game.

The Cedars look mechanical with more volume.

Turning Points: The Philippines took the lead early on and never let it go with a 13-0 run in the second quarter creating the gap that Gilas would hang onto until the final buzzer.

Game Heroes: Brownlee had a great debut, but Jamie Malonzo did a little bit in thier ball movement and this predictability will raise Gilas’ morale and defensive tactics.

Although it would have been ideal that the final Gilas line up should have been formed much earlier to develop chemistry and communication among team members, the qualifying windows are positively enabling the coaching staff to pick out the best from the best - the cream of the crop as they say.

The individual performances of all 12 Gilas disciples will be measured in this last qualifying window.

Pinoy fans can jot them down and rank each player accordingly. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!