Sports

Gilas Gets Demolished 93-66 by Australia in MOA Arena — Brownlee's 20 Points Not Enough Against World No. 6 Boomers

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Mar 3, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: Rappler / FIBA

The last time Australia played in Manila was the infamous 2018 brawl that shocked the basketball world. On Sunday, March 1, the Boomers returned to the Mall of Asia Arena — and this time they let their game do the talking, demolishing Gilas Pilipinas 93-66 in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Justin Brownlee finally found his shooting touch after being limited to just 4 points in the prior loss to New Zealand, finishing with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Quentin Millora-Brown added 11 points and 5 boards. But the world's 6th-ranked team was simply on another level in terms of cohesion and talent.

Gilas actually kept it competitive in the first half, trailing only 33-38. Then Australia flipped the switch in the third quarter, going on a devastating 23-11 run powered by guard Elijah Pepper to build a commanding 61-44 lead. From there, the Boomers cruised to the 27-point victory.

Pepper was the star of the night with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Tanner Krebs contributed 18 and former NBA player Mitch Creek added 13. Australia improved to a perfect 4-0 in Group A, while the Philippines fell to 2-2.

Despite dropping both home games this window, Gilas had already clinched a spot in the second round thanks to New Zealand's earlier win over Guam. It's a bittersweet consolation — they're through, but the gap between Gilas and the region's elite was painfully clear on Sunday night.

Source: Rappler

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Bright Spot: Philippine Manufacturing PMI Hits 8-Year High of 54.6 in February — Strongest Factory Growth Since 2017

BSP Projects February Inflation at 2.3-3.1% — Still Within Target Despite Rising Rice, Fish, and Electricity Prices

Leaked Celebrity Videos Spark Nationwide Warning: Sharing Private Content Can Land You 3-7 Years in Prison

Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina Tie the Knot in Bohol — Aga Muhlach, Alden Richards, Ai-Ai Among Star-Studded Guest List