Brownlee tows Gilas Pilipinas past Bahrain in Asian Games 2023 opener

Justin Brownlee led Gilas Pilipinas past Bahrain, 89-61, to open its campaign in the 19th Asian Games men's basketball tournament on Tuesday in Hangzhou, China.

Brownlee posted a double-double of 20 points and 10 boards as the Philippine national team registered a 28-point blowout in the continental tourney.

Gilas relied on a strong second quarter performance as the Philippine national men's basketball team outscored Bahrain, 29-15, in the said frame to end the first half at 51-33. 

The nationals led by as much as 34 points, 87-53, after a triple by Marcio Lassiter with 2:17 left in the fourth period.

CJ Perez, Kevin Alas, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Arvin Tolentino, the replacements for Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Mo Tautuaa, and Jason Perkins, were allowed to play in the game.

Perez and Ange Kouame chipped in 15 points apiece, while Calvin Oftana had 14 points.

Gilas will next face Thailand on Thursday morning.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News