Gilas Pilipinas are not taking Guam lightly when they square off in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this Friday. Gilas coach Tim Cone stressed the games against the island nation are must-win.
Gilas Pilipinas look to open their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign on a strong note as they face a rapidly improving Guam squad on Friday, November 28.
Tipoff is at 5 p.m. (Manila time) at the Yigo Village, Calvo Field House in Guam.
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It will be the first-ever FIBA meeting between the two nations—one carrying massive implications for Gilas’ long-term roadmap.
Coach Tim Cone emphasized that scoring a win on the road is crucial, with the team determined to build a strong foundation for its twin goals of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and reaching the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Despite the absence of key players Kai Sotto and Calvin Oftana due to injury, Cone is sticking close to his original 12 led by naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee.
Quentin Millora-Brown and RJ Abarrientos are also stepping in to reinforce a group powered by veterans and rising stars eager to set the tone for the qualifiers.
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But the challenge for the world No. 37 Philippines is steep.
Guam, backed by its home crowd and coming off its first-ever FIBA Asia Cup win, is no pushover despite being ranked 81 in the world.
The island nation stunned Syria in July behind Jericho Cruz’s 21 points, and Gilas knows the San Miguel guard will be the focal point of Guam’s offense.
Cone also warned about the threats posed by Tai Wesley, Jonathan Galloway, and Takumi Simon, all capable of punishing any lapse.
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Guam’s confidence at home, coupled with its continuous rise in Asian basketball, makes this matchup a potential landmine. But Gilas remains determined to stamp its class early in the cycle.
With a clear vision, a seasoned core, and a resolve to win for flag and country, Gilas Pilipinas head into enemy territory seeking a victory that could define the rest of their qualifying journey.
The game will be livestreamed on the One Sports YouTube page as well as on Pilipinas Live. It will also be shown on TV via One Sports, One Sports+, PBA Rush, and RPTV.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]