Camille Naredo

Justin Brownlee of the Philippines in action against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, March 1, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. FIBA photo

Justin Brownlee of the Philippines in action against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, March 1, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Article (news)

FIBA

Romwel Anzures

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17723728278881772371975611143.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Justin Brownlee of the Philippines in action against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, March 1, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. FIBA photo" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Justin Brownlee of the Philippines in action against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, March 1, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. <em>FIBA photo</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA (<strong>UPDATED</strong>) — Gilas Pilipinas once again failed to crack the Australia code, as the Boomers proved to be a puzzle the Nationals could not solve in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.</p><p>Tim Cone and his wards stayed within striking distance early before running out of steam in the second half, eventually absorbing a 93-66 loss on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.</p><p>The defeat marked their second straight setback in Window 2, leaving them winless in their home stand, and Cone admitted the loss was difficult to endure.</p><p>&quot;It was a very painful one. It was a painful second half. Painful to be a part of, painful to watch, especially in front of our home crowd,&quot; he said.</p><p>Despite the setback, Gilas has already secured a spot in Round 2 following New Zealand&#x27;s 99-67 win over Guam prior to the Philippines-Australia match.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/1/gilas-advances-to-round-2-of-world-cup-qualifiers-after-new-zealand-dominates-guam-1932">READ: Gilas advances to Round 2 of World Cup qualifiers after New Zealand dominates Guam</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/1/fiba-cone-rues-gilas-painful-loss-to-australia-we-got-deflated-2253">READ: Cone rues Gilas&#x27; &#x27;painful&#x27; loss to Australia — &#x27;We got deflated&#x27;</a></div><p>Justin Brownlee bounced back with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Quentin Millora-Brown and Dwight Ramos added 11 and nine points, respectively.</p><p>Still, it was not enough as the Philippines dropped its seventh game in eight all-time meetings against Australia. For Boomers head coach John Peter Rillie, their intensified defensive effort in the second half, along with finding their offensive rhythm, made the difference.</p><p>&quot;It stemmed from our defense. The ability of our players to be disruptive on defense, and once we made the advantage, we did a great job of keeping that advantage,&quot; he said.</p><p>And that proved to be the case. After only leading by just five at halftime, 38-33, the Boomers caught fire in the second half. They stretched the lead to 80-57 midway through the fourth quarter following a three-pointer by Tanner Krebs with 5:34 remaining.</p><p>Australia extended its lead to 29, 88-59, after a Tom Wilson triple with 3:09 left, and that was more than enough to seal the victory and spoil the evening for the Filipino faithful.</p><p>Elijah Pepper paced Australia with 28 points on five three-pointers, while Tanner Krebs chipped in 18 as the Boomers stretched their winning streak to four games after sweeping New Zealand in Window 1 and defeating Guam last February 26.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>#GilasPilipinas once again failed to crack the Australia code, as the Boomers proved to be a puzzle the Nationals found too hard to solve in the 2027 #FIBAWC Asian Qualifiers.</p>

#GilasPilipinas once again failed to crack the Australia code, as the Boomers proved to be a puzzle the Nationals found too hard to solve in the 2027 #FIBAWC Asian Qualifiers.

FIBA: Gilas still can’t crack Australia code, ends home stand winless

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FIBA: Gilas still can’t crack Australia code, ends home stand winless

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 01, 2026 09:08 PM PHT

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Updated Mar 01, 2026 11:58 PM PHT

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Basketball

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2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

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