Gilas Pilipinas outlasted South Korea’s Changwon LG Sakers, 86-81, during their only scrimmage before the 19th Asian Games at Philsports Arena on Friday.
Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, and Calvin Oftana all came up with clutch shots to prevent the LG Sakers from completing their comeback late in the fourth.
The score was still tied 70-all when Gilas, paced by Thompson and Oftana, unleashed a 12-5 exchange for an 82-75 lead against the Koreans midway through the fourth period.
But the LG Sakers tapped their gunners and fought to within 84-80 with just under three minutes remaining.
Fortunately, Brownlee came through to the clutch with 1:34 remaining to fend off the LG Sakers’ comeback.
Brownlee ended up with 19 points, while June Mar Fajardo added 16 markers. Oftana was also impressive with his 13 points and 11 rebounds.
American Dante Cunningham notched 18 points for Changwon.
Gilas was supposed to take on the Meralco Bolts last Tuesday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, but the game was shelved due to uncertainties regarding the eligibility of Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, and Mo Tautuaa.
They also postponed their trip to Hangzhou on Saturday to make way for one more training day at home. They will fly to China on Sunday before playing against Bahrain on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
