AJ Edu energized Gilas Pilipinas with a powerful second-half performance to help the national squad overcome a 21-point deficit and defeat the Macau Black Bears in a friendly match at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-10 Filipino-Cypriot big man tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal, highlighted by several emphatic dunks that thrilled the home crowd.
Justin Brownlee led the scoring with 32 points, including five three-pointers, while Edu and CJ Perez anchored the defense to stifle Macau’s early momentum.
Edu, now fully recovered from injury, acknowledged the challenge of stepping up in the absence of Kai Sotto, who is out with a torn ACL.
The game serves as part of Gilas’ buildup for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia starting August 6.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 29, 2025
