Gilas Pilipinas mauled by 27 points as Australia visits for first time since 2018 brawl

MANILA, Philippines – A lot has changed since the last time Gilas Pilipinas hosted Australia — an encounter that turned into their infamous brawl in 2018.

But if there is one thing that has remained, it is the Boomers’ mastery of the Filipinos.

The Philippines dropped both of its home games in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers following a 93-66 loss to visiting Australia at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 1. 

Limited to just 4 points in a narrow 69-66 defeat to New Zealand three days prior, Justin Brownlee finally found his mark and dropped 20 points to go with 8 rebounds and 7 assists, but the mighty Boomers — ranked 6th in the world —  proved to be more cohesive, and simply, more talented.

The Nationals stayed within striking distance at halftime, 33-38, before Australia blew the game wide open, riding on a 23-11 run powered by guard Elijah Pepper to build a commanding 61-44 lead. 

Pepper showed the way for the Boomers, who improved to 4-0 in Group A, with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Tanner Krebs and former NBA player Mitch Creek added 18 and 13 points, respectively.

Quentin Millora-Brown chimed in 11 points and 5 rebounds for the Philippines, which fell to 2-2. 

The game marked the first time Gilas Pilipinas hosted Australia since their Asian Qualifiers duel at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan in 2018 that escalated into one of the ugliest brawls in basketball history. 

A total of 13 players — 10 from the Philippines and three from Australia — were suspended by FIBA, which also slapped the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Basketball Australia hefty fines that totaled nearly P20 million. 

Only the Philippines’ June Mar Fajardo and Australia’s Nick Kay remain with their respective national teams from that game. – Rappler.com