Coach Tim Cone expressed his satisfaction with the Philippines' performance against the Manawatu Jets in the absence of top gunner Justin Brownlee. The Nationals secured a 90-61 win in the pre-FIBA World Cup Qualifiers tuneup game in New Zealand, showcasing a well-balanced scoring effort led by backcourt tandem RJ Abbarientos and Juan Gomez de Liaño.
The team's ability to organize its sets without Brownlee's guidance was a notable aspect, with 11 players scoring at least four points each. Coach Cone praised the frontliners for their rebounding efforts, acknowledging that there is still room for improvement.
With the Franklin Bulls up next on Tuesday, Coach Cone hinted that Brownlee may not see action in the 6:30 p.m. game at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Arena. The Nationals are in the final stages of their preparation for their double road assignments in the third window of the WCQ in Oceania.
Following the game against the Bulls, the team faces the Tall Blacks on Friday at Auckland's Spark Arena before taking on Australia on Monday at the RAC Arena in Perth.
