HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas vs Hong Kong at Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers
Tim Cone marvels at return of Gilas’ ‘lifeblood’ Justin Brownlee
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee in the Philippines’ game against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee showed a little bit of rust to begin Gilas Pilipinas’ 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifier campaign but coach Tim Cone showed no doubt whatsoever.
After the national team’s 94-64 trouncing of Hong Kong at Tsuen Wan Stadium on Thursday night, Cone admitted that he saw Brownlee struggle early in the game but he decided to stick with the naturalized player.
Video: Kai Sotto talks about his performance against Hong Kong
Kai Sotto was one of the top performers for #GilasPilipinas against Hong Kong.
He showed out with 13 pts and 15 rebounds at a time when the Nationals were missing fixture June Mar Fajardo and another young center in AJ Edu due to injuries. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/wKOM20tyuP
FEATURED STORIES— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 23, 2024
Video: Justin Brownlee on his first game back for Gilas
Justin Brownlee wound up with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists built on a +25 efficient game to star for #GilasPilipinas vs. Hong Kong.
We asked the Asian Games hero about his first game back after a months-long hiatus. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/ZeuuDGcQBL
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 23, 2024
Gilas repays OFW support in Hong Kong with Fiba Asia Cup win
Gilas Pilipinas members wave to the crowd after their win over home team Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas knows the magnitude of being able to play in front of overseas Filipino workers.
So with Filipinos in full support of the national team against Hong Kong at Tsuen Wan Stadium, Gilas Pilipinas repaid them with a dominant 30-point victory against the home bets.
Filipino fans in Hong Kong showering Gilas love after win over Hong Kong
Filipino fans here in Hong Kong showering their National Five love after their win against Hong Kong. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/wnYftHMLcz
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2024
Tim Cone reminds Gilas to stay focused for long haul
Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Qualifiers. –FIBA PHOTO
HONG KONG–There was one line that national coach Tim Cone reached for over and over throughout Gilas Pilipinas’ short visit here for the curtain-raiser of the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers, a mantra that will guide the program through a long and arduous journey for the next four years.
Keep that big picture in mind.
Gilas pulls away to beat Hong Kong in Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee in the Philippines’ game against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA
HONG KONG — Promise delivered.
Save for a forgettable first half, the new-look Gilas Pilipinas played splendidly on both ends on Thursday to beat Hong Kong, 94-64, and take a key first for the national basketball program.
The Nationals found gaps in their game just in time to pocket a resounding Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers victory at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre here which was filled by mostly Filipinos.
Live updates: Gilas Pilipinas vs Hong Kong
FINAL: #GilasPilipinas whips Hong Kong on their home turf, 94-64.
The Nationals play Chinese-Taipei this Sunday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/09uT8SMUNg
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2024
Justin Brownlee scores on the break. He gives #GilasPilipinas a 57-45 cushion here in the third period.
….and the crowd goes "Ginebra! Ginebra!"
| @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
#GilasPilpinas at the half:
Brownlee 9 pts, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Sotto 7 pts, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks
Malonzo 5 pts
Ramos and Quiambao both with 4
Perez and Thompson both with 3
Oftana, Aguilar and Tamayo all with 2| @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Xu hits a tough layup vs the outstretched hand of Sotto to end the first half. #GilasPilipinas protecting a 41-37 lead over lower-ranked Hong Kong.
| @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
A Yeung three gives Hong Kong the lead. But Kevin Quimbao quickly restores the order with a putback. 31-30 for #GilasPilipinas | @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Hong Kong putting up a great fight here in the second period, ties the match with #GilasPilipinas at 25-all. | @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Leung triple beats the first quarter horn. #GilasPilipinas is still ahead, 23-15 at the end of the opening period. | @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Back-to-back triples from Jamie and CJ, and a Japeth putback give #GilasPilipinas a 23-12 lead over Hong Kong. | @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
#GilasPilipinas calls for time as Hong Kong pulls within five.
14-9 for the Nationals here at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre. | @InquirerSports @phildailyinq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
9-0 start for the Philippines here at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre. | @inquirersports @phildailyinq #GilasPilipinas
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Kai Sotto jams are back on the menu 💥 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/QeCk3DOhRV
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 22, 2024
Gilas starting 5: Sotto, Brownlee, Oftana, Ramos, Thompson
Starters:
Sotto
Brownlee
Oftana
Ramos
Thompson. #GilasPilipinas @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq pic.twitter.com/dDBtcWnEz1— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
SBP chief Al Panlilio, executive director Erika Dy attends Gilas vs Hong Kong game
.@officialSBPinc’s very own, President @ASPanlilio is here to support #GilasPilipinas. He is accompanied by the national federation’s new executive director Erika Dy. | @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq pic.twitter.com/jM946YtxJw
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Gilas conducting a mini slam dunk contest here at Tsuen Wan Sports Center
#GilasPilipinas conducting a mini slam dunk contest here at Tsuen Wan Sports Center @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/NyYM3f1Kcq
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Justin Brownlee is a Gilas crowd favorite in Hong Kong
Brownlee—a favorite anywhere he goes. @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/pNvTTGSsBU
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Tim Cone gets some love from Gilas fans
.@manilacone getting some love! @INQUIRERSports @phildailyinq #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/2YE4YAuLUn
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Gilas fans have entered the venue
#GilasPilipinas fans have entered the venue. | @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/nm9f6TyAtW
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
LOOK: Filipino fans gather to watch Gilas play in Hong Kong
Back here at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre where #GilasPilipinas will be taking on Hong Kong for window 1 of thre @FIBAasiacup qualifiers.
Filipinos—most of them off-duty—now gathering by the entrance of the arena. l @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/owcXfRmfwJ
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
PHOTOS: Gilas Pilipinas last practice before first Fiba Asia Cup qualifying game
Some snaps from the last practice ahead of the new-look #GilasPilipinas' international debut. More via https://t.co/4dDWQYszld | @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/6YSXw2anHb
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Gilas holds last practice on day of Hong Kong match
World No. 38 #GilasPilipinas practiced one more time at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre here for their match against No. 119 Hong Kong for the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Nationals have trained a total of three times since their arrival last Tuesday.
| @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/PvpD6gSDxh
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 22, 2024
Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers schedule February 22
Tsuen Wan Sports Centre
8pm–Philippines-Gilas Pilipinas vs Hong Kong
Japeth Aguilar’s presence looms large for Gilas with key bigs out
Japeth Aguilar goofs around with his Gilas Pilipinas teammates during a training session ahead of the Filipinos’ game against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. –DENISON DALUPANG
HONG KONG — Gilas Pilipinas fixture June Mar Fajardo is beyond grateful that Japeth Aguilar came in to plug his and AJ Edu’s absences for the Nationals in the opening window of the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“We’re really thankful of Japeth. As you know, he’s been the longest-serving player here,” the soft-spoken big man told the Inquirer on the sidelines of the team’s practice on Thursday at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre here.
Gilas’ CJ Perez looks to put on a show for OFWs in Hong Kong
Gilas Pilipinas’ CJ Perez during a training session ahead of the Filipinos’ game against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. –DENISON DALUPANG
HONG KONG — Gilas Pilipinas’ CJ Perez believes he owes this country a show when the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers raise its curtains this Thursday.
“Playing here in Hong Kong is a great opportunity to provide entertainment for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),” he told the Inquirer shortly after the practice at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre on Thursday.
“[Some of them] haven’t been back home for so long and haven’t had the chance to see Philippine basketball live, so you bet we’re excited to bring the game close [to them] and give our best to win the game,” he added.
VIDEO: Justin Brownlee during the post-practice shootaround in Hong Kong
Justin Brownlee during the post-practice shootaround. That stroke's looking Fiba-ready once again.
Follow @phildailyinq, @INQUIRERSports, and sign up for https://t.co/dqn33zLWo5 for more #GilasPilipinas stories here from Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/7Iru2PvIjE
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 21, 2024
Gilas PH eyes win over Hong Kong: ‘If we don’t, then we probably shouldn’t be here’
Gilas Pilipinas huddles at midcourt after finishing a training session at Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan Sports Centre. —DENISON REY A. DALUPANG
HONG KONG—When the new look Gilas Pilipinas tests its mettle on Thursday, the Nationals understand how big of a first step they will be taking against a lower-ranked Hong Kong squad in the opening window of the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“As coach Tim (Cone) said, this is one team that we can really beat, so we need to do just that. Winning this first game will be our building blocks,” June Mar Fajardo told the Inquirer on the sidelines of a long practice at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre here.
Carl Tamayo ecstatic to team up with Kevin Quiambao at Gilas
Carl Tamayo, left, and Kevin Quiambao, former teammates in high school, team up again this time for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Carl Tamayo has a lot of things to be excited about in his return to Gilas Pilipinas for the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers one of which is his reunion with Kevin Quiambao.
Tamayo said he can’t wait to share the frontcourt with Quiambao, who was his teammate in high school.
“I’m excited because we faced each other in college and now we have a chance to play together like we did in high school and knowing Kevin, we have our chemistry as teammates where we know how each other plays,” said Tamayo in Filipino.
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