Gilas Pilipinas secured their fourth consecutive win in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, defeating Hong Kong 93-54 at the Mall of Asia Arena. This victory earned them a spot in the tournament proper, to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. The game was witnessed by a crowd of 11,086.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Early Advantage: Big men June Mar Fajardo and Kai Sotto dominated the early stages, establishing control with their size advantage.
- Third-Quarter Surge: Gilas pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Hong Kong 22-8, building a commanding 67-43 lead entering the final period.
- Balanced Contributions:
- Carl Tamayo led the scoring with 16 points and five rebounds.
- June Mar Fajardo contributed 14 points and eight rebounds.
- Kai Sotto posted a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
- Justine Brownlee added 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists in limited minutes.
Team Updates
- Point guard Dwight Ramos did not play due to a minor calf injury but was present in uniform.
- Coach Tim Cone confirmed the team’s qualification for the tournament, though seeding arrangements remain pending.
Group B Standings
Gilas Pilipinas remains undefeated with a 4-0 record, solidifying their position at the top of Group B. In contrast, Hong Kong is winless in four games, sitting at the bottom of the group.
Conclusion
This dominant victory, combined with their earlier win over New Zealand, boosts Gilas Pilipinas’ momentum as they prepare for the next stages of the FIBA Asia Cup.