Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 4) — The Philippine men’s 5×5 basketball team completed a spirited comeback victory over host and reigning champion China, 77-76, to advance to the gold medal match of the 19th Asian Games Wednesday.
Justin Brownlee took over for Gilas Pilipinas in the tension-packed moments as he sank back-to-back triples which were enough to secure the win. He finished the contest with 33 points and five rebounds.
China was dominating for most stretch of the match, where its lead ballooned to as high as 20 points.
But the Filipino cagers were determined to steal the win and beat their Asian neighbors for the second straight time dating back to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Scottie Thompson tallied 13 points and eight rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez contributed eight points apiece for Gilas.
This marks the first time since 1990 that the Philippines made it to the gold medal round of the continental showpiece.
Gilas will face Jordan in the championship match on Oct. 6.
