Brownlee, Sotto Lead Gilas To Dominant Victory Over Chinese-Taipei
Photo credit: PBA
Gilas Pilipinas secured a resounding victory over Chinese Taipei, triumphing with a commanding score of 106-53 in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers held Sunday night. The win marked the team's second consecutive triumph in the opening window campaign.
The formidable duo of Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto once again proved instrumental in Gilas' victory, captivating the audience at the Philsports Arena with their stellar performance. This dynamic pairing replicated their exceptional synergy from the previous game, where they played pivotal roles in Gilas' triumph against Hong Kong with a convincing score of 94-64.
Brownlee, known for his versatility and scoring prowess, led the charge with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. The match also marked Brownlee's return to the local courts, following his remarkable feat in leading the national team to a gold medal victory in the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
Sotto showcased his all-around prowess, contributing 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to Gilas' dominating performance. One highlight of the game was Sotto's spectacular pass to Brownlee, culminating in an electrifying slam dunk that ignited the crowd's fervor.
Reflecting on the team's exceptional performance, Gilas coach Tim Cone commended the players' dedication and hard work on both ends of the court throughout the 40-minute match.
At the conclusion of the opening window, Gilas stands shoulder-to-shoulder with New Zealand atop Group B, boasting an impressive 2-0 record. The team is poised to resume its campaign in the qualifiers come November.
Gilas' victory was a collective effort, with additional standout performances from Calvin Oftana (13 points), Dwight Ramos (12 points), Karl Tamayo (11 points), and Kevin Quiambao (10 points).