By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas was off to a successful start to its long journey ahead, blasting Hong Kong away, 94-64, in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at the Tsuen Wan Stadium on Thursday, Feb. 22.
The Nationals, as expected, started out a little sloppy in the first half but went on to live up to their potential with a scintillating second half show that allowed them to tear the game apart and pick up its first win in the first round of the qualifiers.
Like head coach Tim Cone said, the team didn’t look as great as most expected them to be but the learning process was very much in place and evident in the second half adjustments for the team.
Justin Brownlee, in his first competitive game after a three-month lull, was in the middle of the strong third quarter that saw them explode for 30 points while limiting the home team to a measly nine markers.
Brownlee didn’t look like he took a break finishing with an all-around number of 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Kevin Quiambao took advantage of his minutes with 15 points off the bench.
Kai Sotto was a towering presence inside the paint for Gilas with a double-double of 13 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks while Jamie Malonzo added 11.
All of the players utilized by Cone contributed with Dwight Ramos scattering nine points apart from posting six rebounds and five assists while Scottie Thompson orchestrated the third quarter assault and finished with nine assists.
The newly formed Nationals looked to be feeling their way around in the opening minutes especially after a quick nine points in the opening frame.
Hong Kong, however, survived the initial Gilas onslaught and even put up a gallant second quarter stand that allowed the home team to even take a brief 30-29 lead in the second frame.
Shiu Wah Leung led the way for Hong Kong with 15 points while Oliver Xu had 13. Duncan Reid finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals in a losing effort.
Gilas now goes back home for its home debut at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, Feb. 25 against a higher ranked and more talented Chinese Taipei team.
