Gilas Pilipinas showcased a dominant performance in their opening game of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, overwhelming Hong Kong with a commanding 94-64 victory at the Tsuen Wan Stadium.

From the opening tip-off, Gilas asserted their dominance, racing to an early 9-0 lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Despite a brief resurgence from Hong Kong in the second period, Gilas maintained control and entered halftime with a 41-37 advantage.

The turning point came in the third quarter, as Gilas unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught, outscoring Hong Kong 30-9 to build a commanding 71-46 lead heading into the final frame. The Filipino squad continued to pour on the pressure in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to as much as 31 points before ultimately securing the convincing victory.

Leading the charge for Gilas was Justin Brownlee, who delivered a stellar all-around performance with 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Kevin Quiambao also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while towering center Kai Sotto added a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jamie Malonzo chipped in 11 points to bolster Gilas’ offensive firepower.

Despite a valiant effort from Hong Kong, led by Shiu Wah Leung with 15 points and Oliver Xu with 13 points, Gilas proved to be too strong and relentless on both ends of the floor.

With their resounding victory, Gilas Pilipinas kickstarted their campaign in the qualifiers on a high note, sending a clear message to their rivals in the tournament. The Filipino squad will look to carry their momentum into their next game against Chinese Taipei, where they will aim to deliver another strong performance in front of the home crowd.