THE Philippines did not go to the Red Sea to win just one game.
After turning back Iraq 66-57 last Saturday for a breakthrough and all-important triumph, Gilas Pilipinas faces host Saudi Arabia early this morning in a knockout duel for a quarterfinals berth in the FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Their victory over the Iraqis should work wonders for the Pinoy dribblers—a fuel to light the fire in them—and arrange a Last Eight meeting with reigning two-time champion Australia.
But naturalized star Justin Brownlee was first to admit he and the rest of the troops of National coach Tim Cone have their work cut out for them.
“It’s great to advance. We’re definitely not satisfied, though,” Brownlee said. “We know we have a lot more work to do.
“We have some tough teams ahead but whatever challenges lie ahead, we’re just ready to take them on,” he added.
The 6-foot-5 Brownlee bled for his points the last time out, mustering just eight points although he did have seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Wingman Dwight Ramos stepped up for Brownlee, where Gilas “fed off his energy.”
“It’s just a team all-around victory. Dwight had it going, we kind of fed off his energy that he had in that third and fourth quarter and we just rode it out,” Brownlee said.
“You just got to give a lot of credit to our defense and everybody came into the game ready and really stepped up in a major way on defense.”
Now Brownlee will surely bring his A-Game against the Saudis—or else they will pack their bags in what could be a sad ending to their campaign.
“Just got to make sure we get some recovery,” he said. “But we just got to make sure we lock in on film and scouting and I think we’ll be okay.”
