Ailing Brownlee 'wouldn't be much of a help' for Gilas vs Aussies–Cone

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee was sidelined against Australia in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Tim Cone said Justin Brownlee would hardly be a factor had he managed to suit up in Gilas Pilipinas’ 43-point loss to Australia in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers due to a hamstring injury.

Brownlee was scratched from Monday’s 92-49 setback against the Boomers, leaving Cone with the choice of going with an all-local unit that played catch-up all contest long at RAC Arena in Perth.

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“Well, it wasn’t worth 40 points, that’s for sure,” Cone said. “He’s a guy that we could go through in tough moments. But he wasn’t just ready. He wouldn’t be much of a help the way he was feeling.”

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Gilas had Brownlee during Friday’s 106-102 double overtime defeat at the hands of New Zealand, albeit being limited to five points.

Brownlee joined pregame protocols as he was introduced, while sporting a Gilas tracksuit.

Even sans Brownlee, Cone felt Gilas had the capabilities of making Australia sweat more, only to deal with turnovers that the hosts were able to translate into points.

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“We felt we could come out and compete [against Australia],” said Cone. “But we only competed in stretches, and that is not good enough against a team of this caliber.

“There’s a reason why they are ranked No. 6 in the world. They had superior athletes out there, getting at us and made it a bit tough for us.”

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