Kevin Quiambao answered Australia's three-point barrage with five triples of his own in Gilas Pilipinas' quarterfinal loss in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Kevin Quiambao held his head high despite Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Asia Cup 2025 exit in the quarterfinals Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Quiambao led the Filipino dribblers with 17 points built on five triples, but it was still not enough to stop hot-starting Australia from securing an 84-60 victory at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Boomers torched Gilas with seven triples to post an early 17-point edge, 29-12, in the first quarter.
[RELATED STORY: Gilas Pilipinas succumb to Australia Boomers in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals]
While the Philippines put up a better performance from there, even outscoring Australia, 22-21, in the third, that did little to halt the blowout.
“Maganda 'yong performance pero hindi namin nakuha 'yong panalo,” said Quiambao.
“Ang nagma-matter naman sa dulo is kung nanalo kayo o hindi.”
[RELATED STORY: Dwight Ramos says Gilas Pilipinas need to work on defense after FIBA Asia Cup exit]
Quiambao was a revelation for the national team as he normed 12 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in the continental meet.
With Justin Brownlee being hounded by the Boomers’ defense, Quiambao stepped up anew against the Boomers.
[RELATED STORY: Tim Cone gives Kevin Quiambao props after crucial Gilas Pilipinas outing: 'Nothing is too big for him']
As Gilas heads to the exit door, Quiambao still looks back with pride on their journey in the tournament - which includes a breakthrough over Iraq to close its group play, a thrilling victory over host Saudi Arabia in the qualification phase and an eventual loss to the world No. 7 Aussies — and back-to-back Asia champions.
“I’m proud of this team. I’m proud of everyone na kasali rito. It’s been a great FIBA Asia,” Quiambao said.
"[Proud ako sa] lahat ng kababayan na sumuporta despite na hindi natin nakuha 'yong panalo," he added.