MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas delivered a commanding performance on Sunday (24 Nov 2024) night, routing Hong Kong 93-54 to complete a perfect 4-0 record in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

This dominant victory secured a clean sweep of the second qualifying window and further solidified the Philippines’ lead in Group B.

With the win, Gilas Pilipinas continues to strengthen its bid for a spot in next year’s Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia. They now await the outcome of Monday’s New Zealand vs. Chinese Taipei game, where a Tall Blacks win would officially seal the Philippines’ qualification.

Coach Tim Cone’s squad displayed impressive team play, led by June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, Justin Brownlee, and Carl Tamayo, who all scored in double figures.

A decisive 16-2 run in the third quarter pushed the lead to 67-40, effectively putting the game out of reach. Kevin Quiambao and Mason Amos helped extend the margin with back-to-back three-pointers to close the quarter.

“We moved the ball better in the second half and started defending better,” said Cone. “We’re really dependent on our ball movement.”

Tamayo, who finished with a team-high 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, was instrumental in the win, adding five rebounds and three assists. “Our veterans always tell us to be confident every time we step onto the floor,” he said. “I just took the shots I had, and I’m very happy with how we played.”

Sotto continued his strong performance, recording a double-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists. Fajardo contributed 14 points, while Brownlee added 13. Despite a spirited effort from Hong Kong, led by Shiu Wah Leung (11 points) and Oliver Xu (10 points), the Philippines’ defensive pressure and balanced offense proved too much.

Gilas was without Dwight Ramos, who sat out due to a calf injury sustained in their win over New Zealand last Thursday.

Looking ahead, the Philippines will face Chinese Taipei on February 20 in the final qualifying window, while Hong Kong will host New Zealand, hoping to secure their first win of the tournament.

The Scores:

Philippines 93 – Tamayo 16, Fajardo 14, Brownlee 13, Sotto 12, Perez 10, Newsome 9, Thompson 8, Quiambao 8, Amos 3, Oftana 0, Aguilar 0.

Hong Kong 54 – Leung S. 11, Xu 10, Yang 9, Tsai 8, Reid 6, Yip 4, Pok 3, Leung K. 3, Yeung 0, Hon 0, Ng 0, Tang 0.

Quarter Scores: 25-16, 45-35, 67-43, 93-54.

ia/mnm