Justin Brownlee out for Gilas Pilipinas vs Australia in Fiba qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee in action against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas was dealt a big blow ahead of its crucial clash with Australia in the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand on Friday night, the Nationals will be without naturalized forward Justin Brownlee against the unbeaten Aussies, who lead Group A with a 5-0 mark.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas’ young core players give hope despite New Zealand defeat

“Brownlee will miss the game against Australia due to hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg and left knee swelling and cartilage defects,” the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday night less than 24 hours before the Philippines’ duel against Australia at RAC Arena in Perth.

Brownlee wasn’t himself against the Kiwis, tallying five points on just three attempts from the field in the 106-102 double overtime defeat. With Brownlee struggling, Dwight Ramos and young guns Kevin Quiambao, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Carl Tamayo picked up the slack for the Philippines.

Minus Brownlee, Gilas will have to draw more production from Ramos and Co.

De Liano and Quiambao led the Filipinos in scoring with 23 each, while Ramos and Tamayo added 18 and 17 points, respectively.