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| Gilas players acknowledge the cheers of fans after their victory. (FIBA photo) |
Gilas Pilipinas, led by Kai Sotto and cheered on by Filipino fans, dominated China-Hong Kong, 94-64, at the Tsuen Wan Stadium last night (Feb. 22) to launch its campaign in Group B of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
After taking it easy in the first three quarters, the blue jerseys blew the game open in the final quarter when they tightened their defense, dominating the boards, 56-32, while attacking the goal with cool efficiency, scoring in 46.8-percent of their shots.
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| Buksan ang mga tip |
“Tambak. Sobrang relax pa
ang laro ng Gilas,” said Randy Erno, one of the Hong Kong-based Filipinos who travelled
to Tsuen Wan to watch the game.
“Pinalapit lang ng konti nung 2nd quarter, inupo na ng matagal si Dwight D Ramos at Japeth Aguilar. Sobrang mismatch pag andun sila,” he added
Sotto booked a
double-double, making 13 points and 15 rebounds, while top-scoring Justin
Brownlee finished with 16 points, followed by Kevin Quiambao with 15, and Jamie
Malonzo with 11 points.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
With the win, Philippines leads
the tournament’s Group B with 1-0, along with New Zealand, which beat Taipei, 69-89,
at Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
In Group A, Thailand beat Indonesia, 73-56, in Bangkok’s Nimibutr Stadium,
while Australia beat Korea, 85-71, in Bendigo Red Energy Arena in Australia.
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| TAWAG NA! |
In Group C, China beat Mongolia, 80-49, in Shanxii Provincial Stadium while Japan beat Guam, 77-56, at Tokyo’s Ariake Stadium.
The tournament continues today with Iran meeting Qatar in Tehran, Kazakhstan clashing with India in Astana, Iraq dueling with Saudi Arabia in Baghdad, Syria fighting with Lebanon in Damascus, Bahrain testing United Arab Emirates in Manama, and Jordan clashing with Palestine in Amman.
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| PINDUTIN ITO |
The Philippines resumes it campaign on Sunday when it clashes with Taipei at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
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| PADALA NA! |
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| PRESS FOR DETAILS |
