Gilas Pilipinas' 27-point home loss to Australia a 'painful one', says Tim Cone

Gilas Pilipinas kept Australia within sight throughout the first half of the Filipinos' home stand in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday. 

However, the Boomers turned up the heat after the break, erupting in the second half to cruise to a 93-66 victory behind standout performances from Elijah Pepper and Tanner Krebs.

The lopsided defeat left head coach Tim Cone visibly disappointed, profoundly describing the loss as a “painful one.”

"It was very painful one. It was a very painful second half — painful to be a part of, painful to watch — especially being in front of the home crowd," Cone said in the post-game press conference. 

"We wanted to be better than that."

For much of the first half, Gilas Pilipinas looked prime for an upset victory against the world no. 6 and three-time Asia Cup defending champions Australia. 

Quentin Millora-Brown scored back-to-back baskets to give the Philippines a slim 11-9 lead before they ended the opening quarter trailing by just one, 13-14. 

Gilas then got key contributions from the bench in the second quarter with June Mar Fajardo, Calvin Oftana, and Kevin Quiambao pumping in points to help the squad stare at just a five-point deficit at the half. 

However, Australia broke the game wide open in the third quarter, pouring in 30 points to seize full control. 

Gilas struggled to respond as turnovers and defensive lapses allowed the visitors to stretch the lead en route to the huge win.

"I thought we did everything we want defensively, but when they started to stretch the lead a little bit, got some open threes, and couple of turnovers on our part," Cone added.

"I think we just kind of deflated and lost our energy and it was hard to chase those guys."

Despite the loss, Gilas still advanced to the second round by virtue of New Zealand's 99-67 win over Guam earlier today. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News