The Philippines’ journey to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup men’s basketball tournament began in perfect fashion as the Gilas Pilipinas scored a convincing 30-point win over Hong Kong China, 94-64, in Hong Kong on Thursday (22 February).

Led by Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto, the Asian Games champions showed why they will be a challenger for the continental crown next year in Saudi Arabia if they get there, with a mesmerising third period knocking the air out of the host team.

The contest had started fairly one-sided, with the Gilas running out to a commanding 11-point lead in the first quarter before Hong Kong China’s Leung Shiu Wah nailed a buzzer-beater three to ensure the Gilas lead after 10 minutes was just eight points.

And the Gilas were actually out-scored 18-22 in the second quarter as the hosts narrowed their deficit even further, going in just four points down at half time.

But a tremendous response from the visitors in the third quarter put the Gilas Pilipinas en route to their comfortable victory. The Philippines put up 30 points to their opponents’ nine in a storming third, including a run of 12 unanswered points from 53-45 to 65-45 towards the end of the quarter which blew the game open.

While the Gilas still had to be on their game in the fourth, Hong Kong China’s players never got anything going and the Philippines comfortably saw out the game.

Brownlee, who was the Gilas’ star last October at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, top-scored with 16 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in 27 minutes 21 seconds court time.

Sotto, meanwhile, added 13 points of his own in addition to a game-high 15 rebounds (12 defensive, 3 offensive), an assist, a steal and two blocks in 20:36 on court.

The other Gilas players to net double-digit returns were Karl Quiambao (15 points) and Jamie Malonzo (11 points).

New Zealand beat Chinese Taipei 89-69 in the other Group B qualifying game on Thursday. The Gilas now travel home and host Chinese Taipei on Sunday in Pasig.