Australia routs Gilas, tops Group A in FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas wrapped up its Group A campaign in the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a lopsided 92-49 loss to Australia on Monday, July 6, at the RAC Arena in Perth.

Playing without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who continues to recover from multiple leg injuries, Gilas struggled on both ends of the floor and never recovered after Australia’s blistering start.

No Filipino player scored in double figures. Dwight Ramos led Gilas with nine points, while June Mar Fajardo and Kevin Quiambao chipped in eight points apiece. Mike Phillips added six points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.

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Fajardo, who logged his most minutes of the qualifiers at 24 minutes and 46 seconds, also contributed eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.

Australia, meanwhile, had four players score in double figures. Bryce Cotton spearheaded the attack with 21 points, five assists, and two steals, while Tyrese Proctor added 16 points. Mitch Creek scored 13, and Josh Bannan posted an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Gilas endured one of its poorest offensive performances of the campaign, shooting just 18-of-64 (28 percent) from the field, including a dismal 4-of-24 from beyond the arc. The Filipinos also committed 19 turnovers, which Australia repeatedly converted into easy transition points.

The Boomers wasted little time taking control, exploding for a 16-0 run to build a commanding 24-8 lead before closing the opening quarter ahead, 33-14. Cotton caught fire early, pouring in 14 first-quarter points as Australia’s relentless defense forced seven Gilas turnovers.

The Philippines showed signs of life in the second quarter, opening with four unanswered points and tightening its defense to slow Australia’s outside shooting. The Boomers even went nearly seven minutes without a field goal, with Proctor held scoreless on seven attempts during that stretch.

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However, Gilas failed to capitalize on Australia’s offensive lull, repeatedly missing open looks. Creek eventually ended the drought with a transition layup as Australia restored control and carried a comfortable lead into halftime.

The Boomers pulled away for good in the third quarter.

Back-to-back baskets by Phillips and Juan Gomez de Liaño briefly trimmed the deficit, but Australia responded with consecutive three-pointers to ignite another decisive run. Gilas’ turnover woes continued, with Australia already scoring 20 points off 10 Filipino miscues midway through the period.

Tensions briefly flared when Quiambao and Alexander Condon collided in transition, but officials quickly intervened before the incident escalated, recalling the infamous on-court brawl between the two countries during a 2018 World Cup qualifier in the Philippines.

Gilas also suffered an injury scare late in the third quarter when Gomez de Liaño crashed to the floor while attempting to contest an Angus Glover three-pointer. He eventually got back on his feet, while Glover was awarded three free throws on the play.

Australia entered the fourth quarter comfortably ahead, 63-37, and never eased up. The Boomers stretched the margin to as many as 43 points, capitalizing on Gilas’ continued shooting struggles and turnovers.

The Philippines’ woes worsened after Phillips, who provided much of the team’s energy, exited with an apparent injury with just over seven minutes remaining.

Ramos finally knocked down his first three-pointer after missing his first six attempts, but it did little to slow Australia’s dominant finish.

Despite the loss, Gilas advanced to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, finishing third in Group A with a 2-4 record behind unbeaten Australia (6-0) and New Zealand (4-2).

The Filipinos will next host Jordan, Syria, and Iran in the next qualification window in Manila this August.

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