Gilas Men dethrone Indonesia to advance to gold medal match
Published on May 15, 2023

Justin Brownlee steered Gilas Pilipinas Men to the finals of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games basketball tournament as the Philippines defeated Indonesia, 84-76, Monday at the Morodok Techo Stadium in Cambodia. 

Brownlee erupted for 34 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. He was particularly instrumental in the fourth period, scoring 15 of Gilas’ 24 points in the quarter including a pair of clutch 3-pointers, to dethrone the former SEA Games champion. 

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also had a strong game off the bench, finishing with 13 points and four boards, while Arvin Tolentino added 10 points. 

It was a strong second half, highlighted by a fourth-quarter surge, that catapulted the Philippines past Indonesia. Down 45-38 at the end of two quarters, Gilas came out with a better effort to start the second half. 

Facing a 74-70 deficit with roughly four minutes in the game, Brownlee hit back-to-back triples to kickstart the national team’s 14-2 closing run. Brownlee’s free throws with 47 seconds left gave the Philippines a 10-point lead to seal the victory. 

Lester Prosper led Indonesia with 26 points and nine rebounds. 

The Philippines will face Cambodia in the gold medal game tomorrow.