Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee after hitting a 3 against the Macau Black Bears in a send-off match ahead of the Fiba Asia Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas overcame a 21-point deficit caused by a lousy start and defeated the Macau Black Bears, 103-98, in a sendoff match held Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee drained big shots in the second half on his way to 32 points while AJ Edu came back big on both ends manning the middle and the national squad prevailed in the contest that will come before flying out to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the Fiba Asia Cup.

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Edu scored 15 points on top of three rebounds and two assists for the Philippines.

The always-popular Dwight Ramos posted 19 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, Kevin Quiambao put up 14 points and five rebounds while Scottie Thompson had 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Coach Tim Cone lauded the way Gilas played defensively in the second half and neutralized a Macau team that surged to a huge lead with its three-point shooting.

The Filipinos played without June Mar Fajardo and Calvin Oftana, who were rested after playing through injuries in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

READ: Gilas trains in Pampanga ahead of Fiba Asia Cup sendoff game

Oftana, according to Cone, is a “50-50” for the Asia Cup set to start Aug. 5.

But CJ Perez got some playing time, appearing for 11 minutes and finished with seven points off the bench.

William James Douglas scored 23 for the Black Bears, who made just one three after halftime following 12 in the first 20 minutes.

Former University of the Philippines one-and-done standout Quentin Millora-Brown, who has garnered interest from Gilas to play but is dealing uncertainties over his Fiba eligibility, finished with six points and seven rebounds for the Black Bears.