At first, Hong Kong managed to surprise an undermanned Gilas Pilipinas with the duo of Shiu Wah Leung and Ricky Wang pulling through with big plays in the first half.
But Team Philippines still pulled through by dominating the boards and stamping their class in the middle as they crushed Hong Kong, 94-64, at the start of their campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Thursday night at the Tsuen Wan Stadium in Hong Kong.
Gilas, which missed two key players to injury, finally got their game going, with returning cager Justin Brownlee leading the way and finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds.
This was Brownlee’s first match after steering to the Philippines to the gold in the 19th Asian Games.
Brownlee got the support of big men Kevin Quiambao and Kai Sotto as the second half got under way, with the Philippines slightly ahead, 41-37.
“I thought Hong Kong came and played a great first half and shocked us,” said Cone.
Hong Kong ended their encounter with Leung leading the way and with the help of Wang, who made 15 points on five treys.
The Chinese cagers managed to keep matters close at halftime, 41-37, with Oliver Xu’s driving layup in the last two seconds.
“We did not think that they would play as well they did. Number 6 (Shiu) and no. 10 (Wang) really surprised us with their ability to pursue and shoot the ball, and Yang to be able to get to the rim. So we were surprised and tentative,” added Cone as they got over their experience with the Hong Kong ballers.
The Philippines’ defense and Sotto’s dominant presence under the boards saw Gilas moving ahead by 25 points, 71-46, before the fourth canto got under way.
With Gilas taking control of the boards through Sotto, they managed to come up with 56 rebounds, with Hong Kong struggling with 24.
Quiambao unloaded 15 points while the 7’2” Sotto ended up with 13 points and 15 rebounds for Gilas.
Dwight Ramos also helped control the boards with nine points and six rebounds.
The Philippines moved away when Brownlee unleashed a trey, which came during a 10-2 run, moving Gilas away from a 43-39 lead to a 62-45 edge lead with 2:57 remaining in the third.
Only 11 players will see action in first window, with June Mar Fajardo out on a calf injury, and AJ Edu out of comission due to a meniscus tear.
Japeth Aguilar, who has un-retired because of Gilas’ manpower situation, played 11 minutes for six points, three rebounds, and two steals.
The Philippines will next host Chinese Taipei on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.