Gilas Pilipinas Comeback Win vs Macau Black Bears, Are they ready for the FIBA Asia Cup?

 

Gilas Pilipinas finally secured a morale‑boosting 103–98 victory over the Macau Black Bears in their farewell tune‑up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before departing for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah. But it wasn’t smooth sailing from the start—Gilas trailed by as much as 21 points after three quarters, due in part to an ice‑cold shooting first half, allowing Macau to connect on 12‑of‑17 triples and capitalize on 11 turnovers 

Thankfully, Justin Brownlee delivered yet another vintage “Never Say Die” rescue act—dropping a game‑high 32 points, hauling in 15 rebounds, dishing five assists, recording a steal and a block. 

He erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his points after the break and calmly hammering in clutch triples to keep Macau’s comeback at bay.

Dwight Ramos provided steady support with 19 points, six assists, and a block, while rising forward Kevin Quiambao contributed a smooth 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including three triples, worth noting as Cone signals trust in his expanding role 

In the absence of Gilas’ primary bigs—June Mar Fajardo (calf injury), Calvin Oftana (sprained ankle), and Kai Sotto, AJ Edu stepped up impressively. He posted 15 points, worked steadily on both ends, grabbed rebounds, altered shots, and showed poise as a developing inside presence 

Coach Tim Cone lauded Gilas’ second‑half lockdown defense and adjustments, calling it a vital sign of the team’s readiness amid an incomplete roster