Gilas looks to book FIBA Asia Cup 2025 ticket, battles Hong Kong

Sports

AFTER scoring a big win over a perennial tormentor, Gilas Pilipinas looks to secure a berth to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 when it battles Hong Kong on Sunday night, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m.

Gilas kept its unbeaten record intact in Group B when it hacked out a resounding 93-89 win over New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers on Thursday night, November 21.

Before a crowd of close to 17,000, it was Gilas’ first-ever win over New Zealand in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament.

The win also kept Gilas’ unbeaten, leading Group B with a solid 3-0 (win-loss) record.

The Nationals defeated the same Hong Kong squad in the first window, 94-64. Ranked No. 34 in the world, Gilas is heavily favored against Hong Kong, which is ranked No. 117.

A win over Hong Kong will formally give Gilas a seat in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August next year.

After the impressive win over New Zealand, Gilas coach Tim Cone said Team Philippines is still trying to get to its top form.

“We haven’t seen our best team yet. We’ve been able to beat the No. 6 team (Latvia in the Olympic qualifiers) and the No. 22 (in New Zealand). So we’re still trying to see where we can go and how far we can go,” said Cone.

Justin Brownlee is expected to lead the charge for Gilas against Hong Kong. Against New Zealand, Brownlee tallied 26 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Equally solid against the Tall Blacks was Kai Sotto, who played his best game in a Gilas uniform after tallying 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.(CCM)