Even sans Brownlee, Gilas draws support as Kai

Even sans Brownlee, Gilas draws support as Kai | Daily Tribune

ArenaPlus users backed Gilas to get the job done in both games, with 74.4 percent of the total bet count picking the Philippines to beat Jordan and 71.1 percent backing the team against Iran.

The confidence came despite the absence of Brownlee, who has not played since Gilas' double-overtime loss to New Zealand in the third window last July 3 because of hamstring and knee issues.

Brownlee has been one of Gilas' most reliable contributors in the qualifiers, averaging 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

But with their leading offensive weapon on the sidelines, the locals showed they had more than enough firepower to carry the load.

Sotto makes impact in return

At the center of it all was Kai Sotto, who made a long-awaited return to the national team after a two-year absence and immediately made his presence felt.

Sotto averaged 15.5 points and 15 rebounds across his first two games back, providing Gilas with a much-needed interior presence as the Philippines continued its push for a World Cup berth. Dwight Ramos was equally steady, averaging 15 points, six rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals during the window.

Against Jordan, it was CJ Perez who sparked Gilas' comeback from a double-digit deficit, pouring in 16 points and five rebounds. Kevin Quiambao added 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists, including a crucial three-pointer that helped Gilas secure the thrilling one-point victory.

The locals delivered again against Iran, with Juan Gomez de Liaño making his mark in the come-from-behind victory with 16 points and three rebounds.

The win also carried a little extra weight. Iran had defeated the Philippines in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship final at the same venue, making Gilas' latest victory over the Iranians a chance to rewrite a piece of history on familiar ground.

Gilas depth works wonder

For Ethan William, Head of ArenaPlus, the strong backing for Gilas despite Brownlee's absence showed the confidence Filipino basketball fans have in the national team's depth.

"Justin Brownlee has been a huge part of Gilas Pilipinas' campaign, so it would have been understandable for fans to wonder how the team would respond without him. Instead, we saw ArenaPlus users continue to back Gilas, and the local players delivered," said William.

"Kai Sotto's return, the consistency of Dwight Ramos, and the big performances from the other locals showed just how much talent this team has. The numbers reflect the confidence of Filipino fans in Gilas and their belief that the team can find a way to win, whoever is on the floor."

Gilas now moves forward with momentum—and perhaps an even greater sense of belief. Brownlee's absence may have changed the equation, but it didn't change the expectation.

For ArenaPlus users, the bet on Gilas was still very much worth making.