It's a promising development for Gilas Pilipinas in their final preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, fighting off a hard-fighting Macau Black Bears in their send-off game.
Gilas Pilipinas shook off an early dry spell and whipped up some “Never Say Die” magic to down the Macau Black Bears, 103-98, in a send-off match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday, July 28.
Playing without June Mar Fajardo and Calvin Oftana, who opted for rest following the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, Gilas slipped to a 21-point deficit against the visiting Black Bears.
But fueled by Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, and AJ Edu, Gilas recovered in the second half to pick up the huge comeback victory.
The match served as part of Gilas’ preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, which will run from August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Gilas will also play Jordan in another friendly before plunging into action in the continental meet where the Philippines is bracketed with New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Iraq in Group D.