In what could be Japeth Aguilar’s final game as a national team mainstay, Gilas Pilipinas look to score a follow-up win against Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Japeth Aguilar and Gilas Pilipinas look to close out the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on a high as they face Guam anew on Monday, Dec. 1.
The match tees off at 7:30 p.m. at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym and will be available to stream on the One Sports YouTube channel and Pilipinas Live.
[RELATED STORY: Japeth Aguilar says FIBA WC Qualifiers Window 1 could be his last for Gilas]
Fresh from an 87-46 demolition of Guam, Gilas aims to deliver another convincing performance to sweep the window.
Justin Brownlee led the charge in their last encounter with 22 points, while Dwight Ramos turned in an all-around outing of 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists as the Philippines dominated on both ends.
[ALSO READ: What if Dwight Ramos stayed at Ateneo? Gilas star reflects on his brief time as a Blue Eagle]
But the spotlight will shine brightest on Aguilar, who revealed this window may mark the end of his storied Gilas career.
"This might be my last, kahit ilang beses ko nang sinabi. Pero truly, I feel like it might be my last this year," Aguilar told One Sports during practice at the Inspire Sports Academy days before the first window kicked off.
"Actually, this window. I feel like this window [versus] Guam."
[ALSO READ: Kevin Quiambao makes the most of his run with soon-to-retire Gilas vets Aguilar, Fajardo]
The 6-foot-9 forward began his national team journey in 2009 and went on to play in three FIBA World Cups, starting in Spain 2014.
Now, a win at the Ateneo—where he played college ball—would serve as the perfect send-off for one of Gilas’ greatest soldiers.
Guam, led by Jericho Cruz and Tai Wesley, will need massive contributions from the rest of its roster to stand a chance against a Gilas side determined to finish strong and honor its departing veteran.
[ALSO READ: June Mar Fajardo opens up about looming Gilas retirement: ‘Dapat makinig din sa katawan ko’]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]