Gilas Pilipinas star Justin Brownlee against the Taiwan Mustangs. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.

Gilas Pilipinas star Justin Brownlee against the Taiwan Mustangs. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is off the a good start.

This, after the Nationals defeated the Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, during their friendly face-off on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Leading the way for the Filipino hoopers is Dwight Ramos who posted 19 points as well as three rebounds, while Justin Brownlee tallied a 12-point, 15-assist game together with five boards.

After only leading by five at the half, the Philippines powered on a huge third quarter and outscored Taiwan, 21-12, to create a 17-point lead late in the game.

Taiwan brought down the lead to eight late in the fourth, but that was the closest that they could get as Gilas’ lead proved to be enough for them to thwart their opponents.

They are now set to fly to Europe and will be facing Turkey on June 27 and Poland on the 30th for another set of tuneup games.

They will be going up against Latvia and Georgia in the OQT proper.