BIG time players thrive in the biggest of moments. Gilas Pilipinas naturalized star Justin Brownlee did just that against China last Wednesday night.
But even Brownlee got lost for words on the Nationals’ gripping victory that he made possible.
“I don’t know, just fighting, keep battling,” Brownlee said after the team’s heart-stopping 77-76 decision over the bewildered Chinese in their knockout semifinal duel.
“Coach Tim (Cone) told us before the game we had to be special to win this game and it was a special win for us. Special game, special efforts, special team,” he added.
Brownlee notched a game-high 33 points, to go with five rebounds and four assists, while reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson chipped in 13 markers, eight boards, and three dimes.
Falling by 20 big points at the half 26-46 and early in the third canto, the Filipino dribblers whittled the deficit behind Brownlee, CJ Perez, and reserve playmaker Kevin Alas in the final stanza.
“I gotta say it’s up there. You know, playing here in China, against China, very hostile crowd. It’s gotta be up there,” Brownlee said of where the inspiring come-from-behind triumph ranks in his career.
“It just feels so surreal, feels good. It feels good just to be alive in contention for the gold medal.”
Brownlee said he summoned a thing from the Kings’ lexicon– Never Say Die.
“Just stick with it. . . We were just trying to stick with it as much as we could and try to focus on the defense. The offense, we started a little bit (slow), but it definitely came at the end,” he said. “We made some shots, and you know, luckily, I must admit, they did miss some open shots but sometimes it is just how the game goes but I gotta give a lotta credit to China, they fought hard.
“Purely heart. Purely Filipino heart. Puso. That was the main thing.”
