HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas vs Chinese Taipei at Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers
What’s next for Gilas after its Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers first window
Gilas Pilipinas waves to the crowd after the Filipinos’ win over Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—New-look Gilas Pilipinas had a successful run in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, but there’s going to be a long wait before the national team plunges back into action again.
The national team call-ups will go back to their respective teams in the PBA and overseas leagues before they congregate again to prepare before July as Gilas vies for an Olympics spot through the the 2024 Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Tim Cone: Gilas preparations reset after blowing 43-point lead
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee during a game against Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Up by 43 with about seven minutes left in the ball game, naturalized ace Justin Brownlee checked in for Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday night against Chinese Taipei.
The rest of the starters—Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Calvin Oftana and Scottie Thompson—followed shortly even with the game already beyond doubt.
Tim Cone praises Gilas’ effort in whipping of Chinese Taipei
Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone during a game agianst Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas showcased its masterful defense against Chinese Taipei in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers at Philsports Arena on Sunday.
Coach Tim Cone attributed the blowout win to Gilas’ tremendous effort on both ends of the floor which earned them a sweep in the first window.
Justin Brownlee hardly misses beat in Gilas return
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee during a game against Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It’s been 10 long months since Justin Brownlee played a game in the country.
And it sure didn’t feel like Brownlee missed a beat back in his “home soil.”
Brownlee led the cavalry for Gilas Pilipinas as they put on a masterclass in a 106-53 whipping of Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers at Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday.
Gilas shows up a much better lot to sweep first window of Asia Cup Qualifiers
Justin Brownlee leads Gilas Pilipinas anew in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
What Gilas Pilipinas expected to be a tougher contest turned out to be one where it showed utter domination after the Nationals dismantled Chinese Taipei, 106-53, in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers on Sunday night.
The Filipinos played without letup at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City with Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto starring once again before a loud home crowd that had Gilas, counting a 30-point win over Hong Kong, sweeping the tournament’s first window.
Highlights: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei
Gilas Pilipinas put on a masterclass performance vs. Chinese Taipei to win both their assignments in Window 1 🇵🇭#AsiaCup x J9 pic.twitter.com/oA8MvbmbdT
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
Gilas flaunts youth movement in win over Chinese Taipei
Gilas Pilipinas’ Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramors in the Filipinos’ game against Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—If Sunday was any indication, Gilas Pilipinas’ youth is something to be excited about heading forward.
The national team demolished Chinese Taipei, 106-53, at Philsports Arena in Pasig and one of the most notable themes in the win is the emergence of the young guns on the international stage.
Highlights: Justin Brownlee’s all-around brilliance set tempo for Gilas Pilipinas
Force of nature ⚡️
Justin Brownlee's all-around brilliance set the tempo for Gilas Pilipinas in a huge win vs. Chinese Taipei to close out Window 1 🇵🇭#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/5108SctK76
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
Jamie Malonzo sits out Gilas game vs Chinese Taipei
FILE–Gilas Pilipinas’ Jamie Malonzo. –FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Jamie Malonzo sat out Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Chinese Taipei after being under the weather, according to coach Tim Cone.
After Gilas’ 106-53 win in the 2023 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers at Philsports Arena on Sunday, Cone said Malonzo missed the game due to a medical issue.
“He’s sick. It’s a medical thing so I don’t want to talk too much about it,” said the Ginebra coach.
Gilas takes first step toward ‘big goal’ with strong start in Fiba qualifiers
Gilas Pilipinas waves to the crowd after the Filipinos’ win over Chinese Taipei in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto has all the right in the world to be happy with the way Gilas Pilipinas performed in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Yet, instead of being overjoyed after their 106-53 domination of Chinese Taipei at Philsports Arena on Sunday, Sotto looked at the bigger picture and said the win was just the right first step toward the bigger goal.
Video: Gilas coach Tim on why Jamie Malonzo didn’t see action vs Chinese Taipei
National coach @manilacone on why Jamie Malonzo didn’t see action in the 106-53 rout of Chinese Taipei on Sunday night | @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eS4id9aOi6
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Justin Brownlee with another big performance for Gilas
GILAS WITH A DUB!
Gilas Pilipinas exits the playing court while dapping up Justin Brownlee.
He had 26 points and 13 rebounds in the win. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/303BEzoNne
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Gilas demolishes Chinese Taipei to go 2-0 in Fiba Asia qualifiers
Justin Brownlee leads Gilas Pilipinas anew in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas played with relentless pace all of Sunday night, picking apart visiting Chinese Taipei for a 106-53 victory in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Justin Brownlee annexed a second brilliant performance, this time tallying 26 points and 13 rebounds at a PhilSports Arena in Pasig City that was filled to the rafters.
Live updates: Gilas vs Chinese Taipei
FINAL: Absolute masterclass from Gilas Pilipinas in a blowout victory over Chinese Taipei! pic.twitter.com/COVmGi9AxV
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 25, 2024
Final: 106-53 blowout for #GilasPilipinas against Chinese Taipei. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/05wt6Ornwz
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Vintage Japeth in the building 💪 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/3OhqDfGvWT
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
92-45 Gilas lead with five minutes to go… pure clinic by the Philippine team from start to finish. Barely any flaw in tonight’s match.
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
The Kai x Justin connection is immaculate 🤝#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/PNs0ssTZFu
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
#GilasPilipinas enjoying an 82-41 lead here at the end of the third.
Brownlee leads the Nationals with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
| @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
This Kai pass fake and dime is *chef's kiss* 👨🍳 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/4ZoMsWaVgq
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
AT THE HALF:
Gilas establishes a huge lead over Chinese Taipei at the intermission, 52-27.
Kai Sotto has 14 points and four rebounds at the half. Justin Brownlee has 13 points and seven rebounds as well. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Kai out here doing his best Hakeem and Dikembe impression 😮💨#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/yh28tRX6aW
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
CJ Perez, meet Cheng Lin ⛔
# AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/uRpUkFC0LV
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
Kai swat. Dwight jam. Gilas Pilipinas get it done on both ends 😤#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JeTqIP5AO3
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
#GilasPilipinas on top, 26-13, at the end of the opening period here at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Brownlee with 11 pts
Sotto 7 pts
Ramos 6@phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Not in Kai's house! ❌ #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/F0MP7BkTrn
— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAasiacup) February 25, 2024
PhilSports on pace to be full for a basketball game for the first time in a long while.#GilasPilipinas returns to the court for the traditional pre-game team photo. @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SJ5Y47aCKi
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Gilas starting 5 vs Chinese Taipei: Thompson, Sotto, Oftana, Ramos, Brownlee
Player intros underway! Dwight and Justin getting the loudest cheers! @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/hVicBdmM0O
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
GILAS STARTING FIVE:
Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee. @INQUIRERSports
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Gilas Pilipinas introduced ahead of Fiba Asia Cup qualifying game at home
They’re here! 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
Gilas Pilipinas is introduced in front of the hometown crowd. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BPtYM0GAk7
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Pop-up exhibit showing history of PH Basketball at Philsports Arena
A pop-up exhibit has been put together at the PhilSports Arena lobby. It shows a condensed history of basketball in PH.
@officialSBPinc's executive director Erika Dy can be seen here taking a video of the memorabilia which ranges from a pre-war basketball to old PH game gear pic.twitter.com/Wm6todORYi— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Long lines at Philsports Arena with 1 hour left before Gilas tip off
Time check: 6:35.
The gates of Philsports Arena get more crowded by the minute. One hour before tip-off. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/KohuVyV9AR
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Glas Pilipinas takes the court for warm ups
#GilasPilipinas finally takes the court.
We’re about an hour away from tipoff. @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/H9IAR9AT9n
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Fans line up early for Gilas vs Chinese Taipei match at Philsports Arena
Tip-off is at 7:30 but fans are already flocking to the Philsports Arena for Gilas Pilipinas’ clash with Chinese Taipei in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZsQh2St2Vf
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 25, 2024
Fans now filling up PhilSports Arena here in Pasig City where #GilasPilipinas hosts Chinese Taipei for the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers. @phildailyinq @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SChLvFNUwi
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrdINQ) February 25, 2024
Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers schedule February 25
Philsports Arena, Pasig City
7:30pm–Philippines-Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei
Kai Sotto talks about Chinese Taipei challenge ahead of their Fiba Asia Cup match
WATCH: Kai Sotto, one of #GilasPilipinas' top performers in the blowout of Hong Kong, knows Chinese Taipei will pose much more resistance. The young big man is up for the challenge. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/uuQa5mdWdr
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 25, 2024
After cruising past Hong Kong, Gilas readies for tougher foe in 2-0 bid
Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee in the Philippines’ game against Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA
Make no mistake about it, Gilas Pilipinas will be taking the floor this Sunday night a confident bunch when it battles Chinese Taipei for its second game in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
But the team’s conviction will be different, thanks to a rough first quarter in the eventual blowout of Hong Kong four nights ago that had national coach Tim Cone yearning for improvement.
“Taiwan will be stronger,” cornerstone June Mar Fajardo told the Inquirer, noting Cone’s repeated reminders throughout the team’s buildup for the continental showcase being used to prime for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Tim Cone knows Gilas can’t play same way vs Chinese Taipei
Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas members wave to the crowd after their win over home team Hong Kong in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA PHOTO
Sure, Gilas Pilipinas overcame a sluggish start on Thursday night and ran away with a key win to kickstart its grand plan of returning to the Fiba World Cup in four years.
But the first half of that 94-64 rout of Hong Kong, fashioned out before a crowd made up mostly of overseas Filipino workers at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, had national coach Tim Cone longing for more.
And rightly so.
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