Gilas Pilipinas kept its pristine slate, while virtually sealing a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after drubbing winless Hong Kong, 93-64, at the close of the Philippines’ assignment in the second window of the Qualifiers on Sunday night in another fullhouse crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The win was a huge follow up for the Philippines, which on Thursday scored a 93-89 triumph over New Zealand.
The Philippines improved to 4-0 to lead Group B, while Hong Kong stayed winless in four starts.
The Filipinos will formalize their entry in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 slated this August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia if the Tall Blacks beat the Taiwanese on Monday in their home game in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Kai Sotto and June Mar Fajardo triggered Gilas’ first half efforts after scoring 10 points each as the national squad held a 45-35 halftime lead.
The game also saw coach Tim Cone give Mason Amos and Kevin Quiambao playing time after failing to see action last Thursday versus New Zealand.
Carl Tamayo made the most of the minutes he got as he led Gilas in scoring with 16 points, along with five rebounds. Fajardo added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Justin Brownlee had 14 in just 25 minutes of play before getting rested.
Sotto followed up with a monster effort versus the Tall Blacks by finishing with a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds, while CJ Perez chipped in 10.
Shiu Wah Leung led Hong Kong with 11 points, while Oliver Xu 10.
Gilas will return to action in February when the national squad play for a pair of road games.
