By REYNALD MAGALLON
Justin Brownlee exploded for 32 points, including two game-sealing free throws with 17 seconds left, as Pelita Jaya pulled off a 97-90 upset win over Iranian team in the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai on Monday, June 10.
Brownlee conspired with fellow import James Dickey, combining for 72 of their team’s total output to pick up their first victory in the tournament and bounce back from a tough opening day loss at the hands of Japan B.League champion Hiroshima Dragonflies.
The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player who was keeping himself busy and in shape before the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July added 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
Dickey actually led the way with 40 points, 17 rebounds and five assists.
Down by one at the end of the opening frame, 23-24, Pelita Jaya came out firing in the second quarter with a 13-2 run, capped by a Brownlee six straight points from an and-1 play and a booming triple to make it 36-26.
The Indonesian kept control since then with Brownlee drilling another huge trey with 12 seconds left in the first half to keep a 50-45 lead.
Although Gorgan kept coming in the second half, timely hits from Brownlee and Dickey kept the Iranians at bay until the final buzzer.
Will Cherry and Joseph Young paced Gorgan with 24 and 21 points respectively.
