Gilas Pilipinas opens new era with 30-point rout of host Hong Kong
Gilas Pilipinas aced the initial hurdle in their ambitious four-year journey.
The team’s dominance was on full display as they surged past Hong Kong, securing a commanding 94-64 victory in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at Tsuen Wan Stadium on Thursday, February 22.
Head coach Tim Cone emphasized the significance of laying a strong foundation for the national team’s future success, and his players rose to the occasion by seizing an early lead in Group B.
Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto, and Dwight Ramos led the charge as the Filipino squad unleashed a remarkable 30-9 run in the third quarter to decisively seize control of the game following a narrow 41-37 halftime lead.
Brownlee returned to action after serving a three-month suspension due to a doping violation during the Asian Games, showcasing an impressive all-around performance with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.
Sotto stepped up admirably in the absence of injured key players June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu, contributing a double-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks during the team’s dominant showing.
Brownlee and Sotto set the tone early on before Ramos ignited a game-changing surge in the pivotal third quarter with his dynamic play that included scoring crucial points and making key defensive plays.
Ramos’ impactful sequence propelled Gilas Pilipinas to a commanding 60-45 lead from which they never looked back.
Gilas Pilipinas extended their lead to 71-46 with consecutive three-pointers from Jamie Malonzo and Chris Newsome, setting the stage for a strong finish.
Kevin Quiambao, the current UAAP MVP from La Salle, played a pivotal role in helping Gilas secure the victory.
The scores:
Philippines 94 – Brownlee 16, Quiambao 15, Sotto 13, Malonzo 11, Ramos 9, Newsome 7, Aguilar 6, Oftana 5, Thompson 5, Perez 5, Tamayo 2.
Hong Kong 64 – Leung 15, Xu 13, Reid 12, Yeung 12, Yang 5, Tsoi 4, So 3, Ho 0, Liu 0. Tam 0. Wong 0, Chan 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 41-37, 71-46, 94-64.
