Gilas ends Doha stint with 31-point loss to Egypt

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee during a game against Egypt in the Doha International Cup in Qatar.–QATAR BASKETBALL FEDERATION

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas suffered back-to-back losses to end its campaign in the Doha International Cup on Monday (Manila time).

Seeking a bounce-back win following a 21-point defeat to Lebanon on Sunday, Gilas got whipped by a balanced Egypt side, 86-55, instead at QU Sports & Events Complex in Qatar.

Justin Brownlee scored a team-high 18 points but had little help with no other Gilas player hitting double digits. Carl Tamayo chipped in nine points.

READ: Gilas comes home to cool its heels ahead of Fiba qualifiers on the road

Egypt, which was crowned champions in the four-team tournament after going undefeated, took control in the second quarter and never let up led by Ehab Amin’s 20 points and eight assists.

Gilas struggled on offense anew, shooting just 37 percent from the field while committing as many turnovers as assists with 16.

The Philippines tries to return to its winning ways when it visits Chinese Taipei on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23 to wrap up the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas has already punched a ticket to the Asia Cup set this August in Saudi Arabia after winning its first four qualifying games in Group B.