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| Kevin Quiambao skies for the layup. FIBA |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas ripped Guam, 87-46, to begin their quest for a fourth consecutive appearance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.
Despite a solid first quarter and an eruption from PBA star Jericho Cruz, Gilas manhandled Guam the rest of the way to go 1-0 in the qualifying round.
Guam surprised Gilas early on as the team took a 12-8 lead midway through the first quarter.
However, Gilas recovered, and eventually, the team pulled away late in the second period to blow the game wide open.
Justin Brownlee led Gilas, which will host the return leg of the home-and-home set on Monday night at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City, with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Dwight Ramos added 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Quentin Millora-Brown had a solid Gilas debut with six points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and three blocks.
Cruz finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Guam, but he, too, had six turnovers.
