05/08/2025
🏀 FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Gilas Pilipinas Outgunned by Chinese Taipei in Physical Opener
Gilas Pilipinas opened their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a tough loss, falling 95-87 to a sharp-shooting Chinese Taipei squad early Tuesday morning (PH time). Despite winning the rebounding battle and bench points, the Philippines couldn’t shake off costly foul troubles and defensive lapses.
🇵🇭 Gilas Hindered by Whistles
Philippine key players were bogged down by foul woes — Justin Brownlee fouled out in the 4th, while Chris Newsome and Scottie Thompson were forced to play cautious after picking up 4 fouls each. That opened the floodgates at the free-throw line for Taipei, who drained 27 of their 35 attempts.
🛡️ Defense Collapses Against Chen’s Hot Hand
Ying-Chun Chen was nearly unstoppable, torching the Filipinos with 34 points. Gilas struggled mightily in pick-and-roll defense, often leaving shooters open or getting beat on screens.
✨ Quiambao’s Spark Off the Bench
One bright spot: Kevin Quiambao. After a slow first half, the rising star exploded for 17 points in just 17 minutes, giving Gilas a much-needed energy boost.
📊 Stats Snapshot:
Fouls: PHI 26, TPE 14
Free Throws: PHI 9/15, TPE 27/35
Turnovers: PHI 16 (gave up 18 pts), TPE 4
Rebounds: PHI 48, TPE 24
3PT Shooting: PHI 8/28, TPE 12/27
💬 Coach Tim Cone: “We were in panic mode from the start. But give credit to Taipei — they made shots, played smart, and executed well.”
⏭️ Next Game:
🆚 New Zealand 🇳🇿
🕚 August 7 – 11PM PH Time
📺 Live on One Sports and Pilipinas Live