MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for an undefeated run resumes in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Still perfect in Group B with a 4-0 record, the Philippines aims to reassert its mastery over Chinese Taipei when they face off at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium on Thursday, February 20.
Gilas Pilipinas — which is already qualified for the Asia Cup — dealt Chinese Taipei a 106-53 beating in their first encounter in the opening window back in February 2024.
In that match, naturalized star Justin Brownlee and 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto led the Filipinos with all-around performances as they dominated Chinese Taipei from start to finish.
With Gilas Pilipinas playing without Sotto this time due to a torn ACL injury, look for Brownlee to still be at the forefront of its attack, together with Japan B. League standout Dwight Ramos and eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, among others.
The Philippines — which is eager to put up a better showing following a 1-2 campaign in the recently concluded Doha International Cup — will also have its key big man AJ Edu back in the fold to help fill the void left by Sotto after he missed the first four games of the qualifiers due to injuries.
On the other side, expect a much stronger Chinese Taipei squad as it looks to keep its Asia Cup hopes alive.
Sitting at third place in Group B with a 1-3 slate, Chinese Taipei strengthened its lineup with the additions of 7-foot naturalized center Brandon Gilbeck and high-scoring guard Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga — who both did not see action against Gilas Pilipinas in their first matchup.
In the second window of the qualifiers, Gadiaga — who plays for the Akita Northern Happinets in the B. League — averaged a team-best 16 points for Chinese Taipei, while Gilbeck made his presence felt inside the paint with 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and a whopping 6 blocks per contest.
Game time is 7 pm. – Rappler.com
