Kai Sotto puts on impressive showing to defend Gilas home court

MANILA, Philippines—Kai Sotto showed that he’s progressed by leaps and bounds in Gilas Pilipinas’ stunning win over New Zealand in the second window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at Mall of Asia Arena, Thursday night.

Playing as the primary center,  Sottoe flirted with a triple-double including a pair of highlight dunks in Gilas’ victory over the world No. 22 Tall Blacks.

Already brimming with motivation, Sotto didn’t need much more fuel in his tank–until he saw the hometown crowd.

RESULTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand at Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers

“New Zealand’s a really good team and I’m just happy because we prepared really well for this. We just wanted to protect the home court and I’m happy we got the win,” said Sotto.

See more

Fifth time's the charm for Gilas Pilipinas. 🇵🇭#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/n1ruKUOz71

— FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAAsiaCup) November 21, 2024

“I just also want to give credit to my teammates who kept fighting and made big plays towards the end of the game.”

Fresh off of completing his concussion protocol, Sotto played like he wasn’t hurt just days ago as he finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists plus two steals and two blocks to match on the defensive end.

READ: Kai Sotto bound to dominate Asia, believes Gilas coach Tim Cone

Sotto was instrumental on offense for coach Tim Cone as he shot an efficient 57.1 percent field goal shooting clip.

“He’s doing it all, scoring, rebounding and assisting,” lauded coach Tim Cone.

Defensively, the Ateneo product was also a gem for Gilas as he played a part in limiting New Zealand to only 16 points in the paint. The Philippines had 48.

The Japanese B.League Filipino-import’s efforts pushed the Philippines to a 3-0 record in the continental qualifiers and closer to a ticket for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia.

New Zealand dropped to a 2-1 card in Group B.

Next up for Sotto and company is Hong Kong on Sunday at the same venue at 7:30 pm.