Gilas Pilipinas made a strong start in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers by defeating Hong Kong 94-64 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium.
Led by Kai Sotto’s double-double performance with 13 points and 15 rebounds, and Justin Brownlee’s 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, the national team dominated the game.
Kevin Quiambao, the UAAP Most Valuable Player, showcased his skills with 15 points, while Scottie Thompson contributed nine assists.
Despite a close first half, Gilas surged ahead in the third quarter with a 30-9 run, securing a comfortable lead.
Coach Tim Cone praised Hong Kong’s performance but credited Gilas’ second-half adjustments for the win. Quiambao’s late-game heroics earned chants of “uwian na” from Filipino fans present. Quiambao, humbly acknowledging his contribution, emphasized the team’s collective effort and readiness.
The victory marks Gilas’ successful debut under Cone’s guidance in the qualifiers, signaling a promising start to their campaign.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 23, 2024
