Gilas crushes Guam by 41 points in FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee (32)

(FIBA)

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas started off the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a bang, obliterating Guam by 41 points, 87-46, in Group A play at the Calvo Fieldhouse in Guam Friday.

Justin Brownlee powered the Philippines with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dwight Ramos chipped in 10 markers, six boards and three dimes.

The game was tight through the first two quarters, with Tai Wesley and Jericho Cruz’s points inside giving Guam a 25-24 lead.

Gilas then unleashed a 15-4 run capped by a pair of free throws by Brownlee to push the lead to 11, 40-29, at the half.

The Philippines turned things up a notch in the second half, outscoring Guam 47-17 in those last two quarters.

The Filipinos' lead grew to as much as 44 points, 87-43, after a triple by Carl Tamayo.

June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu had eight points apiece. Scottie Thompson, Kevin Quiambao and CJ Perez each contributed seven markers for the Philippines.

Jericho Cruz carried the offensive load for Guam with 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Tai Wesley added 12 in the losing effort.

The window action will now be shifting to the Philippines, as Gilas hosts Guam on Monday, 7:30 p.m., at the Blue Eagle Gym.