July 27, 2024

Gilas goes for 2-0 in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers as it hosts Chinese Taipei

Gilas goes for 2-0 in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers as it hosts Chinese Taipei
Gilas looks to have a perfect start in the Tim Cone era of FIBA basketball. Photo (c) RM Chua

Gilas Pilipinas look to build on a spectacular 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers opener when they host Chinese Taipei on Sunday.

Gametime is set at 7:30pm at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Following a resounding 94-64 win over Hong Kong last Thursday, coach Tim Cone’s wards don’t plan on slowing down in the hope of wrapping up the first window with an unblemished record.

“We have to be better,” said Kevin Quiambao, who finished with 15 points in the win before Filipino fans at the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre in Hong Kong. “[We have to] prepare hard for them.”

[RELATED STORY: Filipino fans make Gilas’ FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers opener vs Hong Kong feel like home game]

Gilas really needs to do just that.

Though the Taiwanese contingent dropped an 89-69 loss to regional powerhouse New Zealand, it showed it can pull the rug from any heavily-favored team like the Tall Blacks.

With Cheng Liu leading the charge, Chinese Taipei made things rough for the Tall Blacks for the most of the match before the latter pulled away in the fourth period behind former Converge import Ethan Rusbatch.

Liu finished with 20 big points, including 11 of the team’s 28 points in the second period.

[RELATED STORY: Why Gilas should be wary of Cheng Liu, Chinese Taipei]

Since Cone’s four-year program still in infancy with players are still trying to get accustomed to playing with each other, it’s only prudent to not let their guards down.

[RELATED STORY: Paris? LA? Gilas Pilipinas’ road to Olympics begins in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers]

Fans can watch the game on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.

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