Photo credit: FIBA Asia Cup

The Philippines' national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, is inching closer to a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after a dominant 93-54 win over Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday. With the victory, Gilas remains undefeated at 4-0 across two windows, keeping them firmly at the top of Group B.

A Strong Start, A Stronger Finish

Coming off a high after their thrilling win over New Zealand just days before, Gilas wasted no time taking control of the game. Although they led early, it was in the third quarter where the floodgates truly opened. Thanks to a blistering 13-0 run fueled by key plays from veterans and rising stars alike, Gilas blew the game wide open, cruising to their fourth straight win.

Gilas now needs New Zealand to defeat Chinese Taipei in their upcoming game in Christchurch to secure their spot in Saudi Arabia for next year’s tournament.

Standout Performers: Carl Tamayo Steals the Show

Carl Tamayo was the standout performer for Gilas, finishing with a game-high 18 points, 6 rebounds, and a solid 8-of-15 shooting from the field. His impressive performance was all the more notable as Coach Tim Cone gave the younger players more opportunities and Tamayo took full advantage.

"I think I just took some shots that I make. I'm just happy." said the forward, radiating confidence after his breakout performance.

Joining Tamayo in the highlights were June Mar Fajardo, who had 14 points and 8 rebounds, Justin Brownlee with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, and Kai Sotto, who tallied 12 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. The young star Sotto’s continuing strong play, especially after his standout performance against New Zealand, brought plenty of joy to the 11,896 fans in attendance.

With Dwight Ramos sidelined due to a calf injury, the other players—Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, and Kevin Quiambao—stepped up in a big way, ensuring that the team didn’t miss a beat.

Game-Changing Moment: Third-Quarter Surge

While the first half was competitive, it was Gilas' performance in the third quarter that truly sealed the win. Thompson, Brownlee, and Fajardo combined for an explosive 13-0 run, pushing the lead to an insurmountable 67-40 with just over a minute remaining in the period. This surge gave Gilas a commanding cushion, and Hong Kong never recovered.

Stats That Tell the Story

One of the most telling statistics of the game was Gilas' dominance on the boards. They out-rebounded Hong Kong 57-34, using their size advantage effectively. The Filipinos' depth, with multiple players capable of contributing across the court, proved too much for Hong Kong, whose big men Duncan Reid and Pok Yuet Yeung couldn't keep up with the fast-paced, physical style of play that Gilas thrives on.

Coach Tim Cone’s Take: Defense and Ball Movement Key

Coach Tim Cone praised his team's defensive efforts and ball movement, particularly in the second half. "We scrambled a little bit more. We should get out there because we've got protection behind us in June Mar and Kai. It's a little bit bothersome that we're allowing that many three-point shots." he explained. "I thought also offensively, we moved the ball a lot better in the second half. I think we had only 9 assists in the first half, then we had 15 in the second. When the ball moves, I think everybody feels like they're involved, and it carries over to the defensive side as well, and we started defending better."

What’s Next?

Gilas now sits in a great position heading into their next phase of qualifiers, with one more window to secure their place in the 2025 Asia Cup. As they wait for New Zealand to handle business against Chinese Taipei, the team can bask in the confidence that comes with an undefeated record so far. With players stepping up at every position, from the veterans like Fajardo and Brownlee to the emerging stars like Tamayo and Sotto, the Philippines looks ready to make a serious run at the 2025 tournament in Saudi Arabia.