Gilas dominates Guam as Japeth Aguilar’s  farewell becomes the night’s centerpiece in the Blue Eagle Gym 

Japeth Aguilar’s final night in Gilas Pilipinas colors was never going to be ordinary — and the national team made sure it wasn’t. In front of a packed and nostalgic Blue Eagle Gym, Gilas overpowered Guam, 95–71, on Monday to close Window 1 of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a perfect 2–0 slate.

But the victory was only half the story.

Before tipoff, Aguilar — the longtime pillar of multiple Gilas generations — stood at center court as Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Pato Gregorio presented him with a framed blue jersey, symbolizing 16 years of service, championships, heartbreaks, and triumphs that stretched from the program’s earliest SMART Gilas days to its modern era.

The 6-foot-9 forward didn’t put up gaudy numbers, finishing with three points, one steal, and one rebound in 10 minutes and 27 seconds. But he didn’t need to. His presence, applause, and quiet goodbye were the emotional heartbeat of the night. 

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LAST DANCE

FIBA honors Japeth Aguilar as the big man plays his final game in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey against Guam in the first window of the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Aguilar’s national team career began in 2009. #GilasPilipinas #FIBAACQ pic.twitter.com/X9gwyIoYFO

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 1, 2025

“Very confident ako sa kanila. Malayo mararating sila. Kailangan supportahan lang natin sila [at] patuloy lang dapat ang pag-trust sa system at sa process. Sana maging healthy and buo yung core kasi hindi pa natin nakikita yung full potential nila. Abangan natin sila at supportahan natin sila,” Aguilar said, reflecting on the young group he leaves behind.

Gilas, energized by the moment, played with a sharpness that was missing in their road game in Guam. The Philippines exploded to a 22–6 start and never looked uncertain, building a 50–36 cushion at halftime.

Guam tried to flip the script in the third quarter, with Jericho Cruz drilling six straight points to trim the gap to nine at 53–44. But just as the crowd began to tense, Justin Brownlee took over. The naturalized star poured in 10 of Gilas’ final 19 points in the frame, rebuilding a 72–55 lead entering the fourth.

He later emphasized the importance of playing at home, saying, “We know that it’s not gonna be easy, but we hope that playing at home, that’s gonna make a difference for us.”

Brownlee finished with a complete performance: 20 points on 5-of-8 shooting, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one block. Dwight Ramos shone in his return to Katipunan with 19 points and seven boards, while Kevin Quiambao added 12 points. Chris Newsome delivered 10 markers of his own.

Quentin Millora-Brown, nearly had a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Junemar Fajardo chipped in seven points and three assists.

The back-to-back victories keep the Philippines level with Australia atop Group A. The Boomers escaped New Zealand, 79–77, earlier in the day — setting up an enticing Window 2 where Gilas will again face both squads on Philippine soil.

Guam, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Cruz, who dropped 27 points along with three assists and two steals. Takumi Simon supported him with 23 points and five steals, while Jonathan Galloway powered his way to a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double.

Aguilar’s exit marks the end of one of the most enduring national team careers in modern Philippine basketball. But on a night filled with gratitude and victory, Gilas made one thing clear: the next era is ready — and Aguilar was there to help usher it in.

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