Gilas downs Hong Kong to open campaign in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas overcame Hong Kong, 94-64, to open the country’s campaign in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday at the Tsuen Wan Stadium.

The nationals pulled away in the third period as they outscored Hong Kong, 30-9, to have a 71-46 lead at the end of the said frame. The Philippines led by as much as 31 points, 92-61, after a Kevin Quiambao layup at the 1:19 mark of the fourth quarter before eventually sealing the team’s first win under head coach Tim Cone.

Gilas opened with a 9-0 run before Hong Kong caught up in the second period as the first half ended in the Philippines’ favor, 41-37.

Justin Brownlee had 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Quiambao had 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Kai Sotto posted 15 rebounds, 13 points, an assist, and a steal, while Jamie Malonzo had 11 points.

Shiu Wah Leung led Hong Kong with 15 points, while Oliver Xu had 13 points. Duncan Reid and Sui Hung Yeung chipped in 12 points apiece.

The nationals will play in front of the home crowd on Sunday against Chinese Taipei to cap the first window of the qualifiers.

Gilas and Hong Kong will face each other again in the November window.

Scores:

Gilas Pilipinas 94 – Brownlee 16, Quiambao 15, Sotto 13, Malonzo 11, Ramos 9, Newsome 7, Aguilar 6, Thompson 5, Perez 5, Oftana 5, Tamayo 2.

Hong Kong 64 – Leung 15, Xu 13, Yeung 12, Reid 12, Yang 5, Tsoi 4, So 3, Hon 0, Liu 0, Tam 0, Wong 0, Chan 0.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News