(CNN Philippines, February 24) — Gilas Pilipinas made it rain from beyond the arc as it defeated Lebanon, 107-96, in the sixth and final window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Gilas knocked down 17 triples in the payback victory over Lebanon in front of a sizeable home crowd.
Naturalized big man Justin Brownlee had a stellar debut for Gilas with 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Teenager Mason Amos also showed he’s ready for the senior level, chipping in 13 points and two rebounds for the Philippines.
Jamie Malonzo tallied 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while returning Jordan Heading contributed 10 points, two rebounds, and two assists for Gilas.
Ray Parks Jr. and Dwight Ramos were the other Filipino players who scored in double digits.
Without star guard Wael Arakji, Lebanon relied on veteran Amir Saoud, who dropped a game-high 27points and Hayk Gyokchyan who had 21 markers.
The Philippines improved to 6-3 in the team standings of Group E.
Gilas will next battle Jordan on Feb. 27, still at the Philippine Arena.
