The Philippine national men’s basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup with an impressive 93-54 victory over Hong Kong on Sunday. The win keeps the Philippines undefeated through four games in the qualifiers and positions them to potentially secure their spot in the prestigious tournament during the next qualifying window.
Despite a competitive first half that saw Gilas holding just a 10-point lead, the Filipino squad turned up the heat in the third quarter, outscoring Hong Kong 22-8 to put the game out of reach. The Philippines’ suffocating defense forced turnovers and difficult shots, allowing them to control the tempo and establish an insurmountable lead.
Twin Towers Dominate the Paint
Gilas Pilipinas’ imposing frontcourt, featuring 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto and veteran big man June Mar Fajardo, proved to be a matchup nightmare for Hong Kong. The duo combined for 26 points and 23 rebounds, showcasing their ability to seal off defenders and control the interior.
When you have twin towers in Kai and June Mar, it’s just going to be tough. We did our best, but at times, there’s just not as much we can do.
Duncan Reid, Hong Kong National Team
The Philippines’ paint dominance was evident in the final box score, as they outscored Hong Kong 50-18 in points in the paint and held a commanding 26-4 advantage in second-chance points.
Young Stars Shine Bright
With a tight rotation due to injuries to key players like Dwight Ramos, Calvin Oftana, and Justin Brownlee, Gilas Pilipinas relied on contributions from their rising young stars to provide a spark off the bench.
Carl Tamayo led the way with 18 points on efficient 60% true shooting, displaying his versatile offensive game with a mix of post moves, physical play inside, and outside shooting. Collegiate standouts Kevin Quiambao and Mason Amos also chipped in with 8 and 3 points, respectively, highlighting the depth and potential of the Philippines’ next generation of talent.
Our veterans always talk to us to be confident every time we step on the floor. We had the chance to play, but we try to put our talent on the system of coach Tim [Cone].
Carl Tamayo, Gilas Pilipinas Forward
Developing a Team-First Mentality
Head coach Tim Cone has emphasized the importance of building team chemistry and instilling a sense of accountability among his players. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Cone’s tough-love approach aims to foster a cohesive unit prepared for the challenges of international competition.
This is not an all-star team and we’re not out there to showcase our individual skills. We got to come together as a team, and sometimes, it takes hard coaching.
Tim Cone, Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach
As Gilas Pilipinas looks ahead to the next qualifying window, which will feature challenging road games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, the experience gained by their younger players will be crucial in strengthening the team’s depth and ensuring sustained competitiveness on the international stage.
The Road Ahead
While the dominant win over Hong Kong puts the Philippines in a favorable position to qualify for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, their work is far from done. The team will closely monitor the result of the upcoming match between New Zealand and Chinese Taipei, as a New Zealand victory would secure Gilas Pilipinas’ spot in the tournament.
Regardless of the outcome, the Philippines will have another opportunity to punch their ticket in the next qualifying window. However, they will face stiff tests on the road against the same Chinese Taipei and New Zealand squads that pose a significant threat to their unbeaten record.
As the journey continues, Gilas Pilipinas will need to lean on the strength of their imposing big men, the emergence of their young stars, and the unifying philosophy instilled by coach Tim Cone to navigate the challenges ahead and secure their place among Asia’s basketball elite at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
