Gilas Demolished by Australia 93-66 — Boomers Return to Manila and Remind Everyone Who's Boss

So much for redemption. Gilas Pilipinas was thoroughly dismantled by Australia, 93-66, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday — the Boomers' first game on Philippine soil since their infamous 2018 brawl. The 27-point blowout dropped Gilas to 2-2 in Group A of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Justin Brownlee finally found his groove after being held to just 4 points against New Zealand, finishing with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. But it wasn't nearly enough against a far more cohesive and talented Australian squad that simply outclassed the Filipinos on both ends of the floor.

The game was still competitive at halftime, 33-38, before Australia flipped the switch in the third quarter. Guard Elijah Pepper led a devastating 23-11 run that blew the game wide open to 61-44. From there, it was cruise control for the Boomers, who improved to a perfect 4-0 in the group.

Pepper was sensational with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. Tanner Krebs added 18 points while former NBA player Mitch Creek chipped in 13. For Gilas, Quentin Millora-Brown contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds in a losing cause.

The defeat means Gilas has now lost both home games in this window — first to New Zealand (69-66), then to Australia. Only June Mar Fajardo remains from the Philippine team that was involved in the 2018 brawl, while Nick Kay is the lone Boomer still with Australia from that notorious encounter.

Source: Rappler