Gilas Pilipinas keeps original 12-man lineup for Guam rematch

Gilas Pilipinas will field the same 12-man lineup when it faces Guam again on Monday in the second game of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers opening window.

Following its dominant 87-46 win on Friday at the University of Guam Calvo Field House, the national team opted not to make any roster changes for the 7:30 p.m. rematch at the Blue Eagle Gym. Returning for Gilas are Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

The decision means Juan Gomez de Liano, Jamie Malonzo, and Troy Rosario—final cuts from the roster that traveled to Guam—will continue to sit out.

Gilas is aiming for a 2-0 start in Group A before moving on to tougher assignments against New Zealand and Australia in the February and March windows next year. 

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In their previous meeting, Guam stayed close early behind the scoring of San Miguel guard Jericho Cruz, keeping the opening quarter competitive. Gilas eventually found its rhythm in the second period and took full control by halftime.

The Philippines limited Guam to just 17 points in the entire second half, turning the game into a one-sided result.

Guam big man Jonathan Galloway acknowledged that their offense stalled after the break, especially without top scorer Earnest Ross Jr.

“We definitely got stagnant in the second half with our offense. I mean there’s so much room to grow on offense and defense, but definitely offensively I just feel like we have to more aggressive, got to move the ball better,” said Galloway, who recorded eight points and eight rebounds.

“The fourth quarter just got really ugly on us. So we just have to get it going offensively, get more guys involved,” he added. “I think on offense that’s where we have to figure it out on the next game.”

Gilas looks to build on its strong defensive showing as it tries to sweep the opening window and maintain its lead in Group A.

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