Match Overview
The game was a tight contest, with both teams exchanging leads in the first half. Chinese Taipei took control in the third quarter, outscoring Gilas 24-16, and held on for a 91-84 victory. This loss marks a significant moment for Gilas, who had been undefeated before this match, and highlights the competitiveness of the qualifiers.
Key Performances
Justin Brownlee was the standout for Gilas Pilipinas, scoring 39 points, dishing out 8 assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds. For Chinese Taipei, Ling Ting-Chien and Mohamad Gadiaga each scored 21 points, leading their team to the upset win.
Coach’s Reaction
Head coach Tim Cone acknowledged Chinese Taipei’s strong performance, noting, “We knew Chinese Taipei would be a tough opponent, especially on their home court. They played exceptionally well, and we have to give them credit for that. For us, this is a learning experience.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas remains qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 with a top-two finish in Group B. Their next challenge is against New Zealand on February 23, 2025, in Auckland, where they’ll aim to bounce back.
Comprehensive Match Analysis
In a surprising turn of events, Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national basketball team, suffered its first loss in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, falling to Chinese Taipei with a final score of 84-91 at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium on Thursday, February 20, 2025. This defeat, marking a significant upset, dropped Gilas Pilipinas’ record to 4-1 in Group B, while Chinese Taipei improved to 2-3, showcasing their resilience on home soil.
Background and Context
The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers consist of three windows: February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025, with 24 teams divided into six groups. Gilas Pilipinas, already qualified for the finals in Saudi Arabia later in 2025, entered this match with a perfect 4-0 record in Group B, facing Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in the final window. Notably, Gilas was without key players Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao due to injuries, which may have impacted their performance.
Detailed Match Recap
The game began with both teams trading blows, ending the first quarter with Chinese Taipei leading 22-20. Gilas Pilipinas fought back in the second quarter, tying the score at 45-45 by halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. However, the third quarter proved decisive, with Chinese Taipei outscoring Gilas 24-16, taking a 71-61 lead into the final period. Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, where Gilas narrowed the gap to three points, Chinese Taipei held firm, securing the 91-84 victory. Key moments included Justin Brownlee’s late three-pointer putting Gilas ahead 80-79 with 3:50 left, but Chinese Taipei responded with crucial scoring to seal the win.
Player Statistics and Standout Performances
Justin Brownlee led Gilas Pilipinas with an impressive 39 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game. Other contributors included AJ Edu with 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Calvin Oftana with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Scottie Thompson added 8 points and 6 assists, highlighting the team’s effort despite the loss.
For Chinese Taipei, Ling Ting-Chien and Mohamad Gadiaga each scored 21 points, with Gadiaga’s naturalized status and 6-foot-2 frame proving vital. Chun Hsiang Lu contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Kuan-Chuan Chen added 10 points and 4 assists. The team’s shooting efficiency was notable, with a 40.8% field goal percentage and 93.3% free throw accuracy, compared to Gilas’ 43.1% and 80%, respectively.
Below is a detailed comparison of key statistics from the game:
| Category | Chinese Taipei (TPE) | Philippines (PHI) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 91 | 84 |
| Q1 Score | 22 | 20 |
| Q2 Score | 25 | 25 |
| Q3 Score | 24 | 16 |
| Q4 Score | 20 | 23 |
| FG % | 40.8% | 43.1% |
| 2PT FG % | 48.5% | 40.5% |
| 3PT FG % | 34.9% | 47.6% |
| FT % | 93.3% | 80% |
| Game Leaders Points | Ting-Chien Lin: 26 | Justin Brownlee: 40 |
| Biggest Lead | 13 | 2 |
| Biggest Scoring Run | 10-0 | 10-0 |
| Time Leading | 36:51 | 2:35 |
| Lead Changes | 12 | – |
Note: There was a discrepancy in scoring, with Rappler reporting Brownlee at 39 points and Ting-Chien Lin at 21, while FIBA listed Brownlee at 40 and Lin at 26. For consistency, Rappler’s figures are used given their detailed match coverage.
Coaching Insights and Post-Match Reactions
Head coach Tim Cone expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, stating, “We knew Chinese Taipei would be a tough opponent, especially on their home court. They played exceptionally well, and we have to give them credit for that. For us, this is a learning experience. We need to review our strategies and make sure we’re better prepared for our next game.” Cone emphasized improving defensive communication and reducing turnovers, areas where Chinese Taipei capitalized.
Implications for Group B Standings
Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas remains in a strong position, guaranteed a top-two finish in Group B with a 4-1 record, alongside New Zealand. This ensures their participation in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 finals in Saudi Arabia. The defeat, however, serves as a reminder of the qualifiers’ competitiveness, with every game requiring full focus, especially against underdog teams like Chinese Taipei, who demonstrated their capability with this upset.
Looking Ahead: Next Challenge Against New Zealand
Gilas Pilipinas’ next match is against New Zealand on February 23, 2025, in Auckland. New Zealand, another strong contender in Group B, presents a formidable challenge. At stake is the chance to maintain momentum and potentially finish the qualifiers with a 5-1 record, reinforcing their dominance in the group.
Historical Context and Previous Encounters
This loss contrasts with their previous encounter on February 25, 2024, where Gilas Pilipinas dominated Chinese Taipei 106-53 at Philsports Arena, led by Brownlee and Kai Sotto. The home advantage and Chinese Taipei’s retooled lineup, including naturalized players like Gadiaga and Brandon Gilbeck, contributed to the different outcome this time.
Conclusion
The 91-84 loss to Chinese Taipei, while unexpected, provides valuable lessons for Gilas Pilipinas as they continue their journey in the qualifiers. The team’s ability to adapt, learn from this experience, and bounce back against New Zealand will be crucial for their success in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Despite the setback, Gilas remains a strong contender, with their focus now shifting to maintaining their competitive edge in the final window.
