Gilas Pilipinas start off FIBA Asia Cup with opening loss to Chinese Taipei, 95-87

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a 95-87 upset loss to Chinese Taipei in their FIBA Asia Cup opener held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, early Wednesday morning (Manila time). 

Justin Brownlee paced Gilas Pilipinas with 19 points before fouling out with 4:29 left in the final quarter — a crucial blow that ultimately cemented the Filipinos’ downfall. 

Goyang Sono Skygunners forward Kevin Quiambao provided quality minutes off the bench for Gilas in the second half, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists.  

Gilas coach Tim Cone regarded KQ as the team’s highlight despite the loss. “As for Kevin, he played very, very well. He was definitely the highlight of our team tonight,” said Cone. 

Quiambao carried Gilas in the early moments of the fourth quarter, scoring eight out of the team’s first 12 points. 

“He came out and played with a lot of energy, hitting some big shots for us. However, we still came up short,” Cone added. 

BOUNCE BACK, PILIPINAS

Gilas Pilipinas drop their first assignment against Chinese Taipei in Group D of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.#GilasPilipinas #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/p4KtjGBHzA

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 5, 2025

The two-time UAAP MVP finished the game shooting an efficient six of out 10 from the field in 16 minutes and 35 seconds of play, all in the second half. 

Dwight Ramos and Scottie Thompson also chipped in 16 points apiece in the losing effort. 

The defeat marked a stinging milestone for the Philippines, who have now suffered back-to-back losses to Chinese Taipei in FIBA play — a first in over ten years — with the previous one coming in a 91-84 loss during the Asia Cup Qualifiers last February 20. 

Chinese Taipei veteran Cheng Yin-Chun scorched Gilas with 34 points on six triples made, while naturalized player Brandon Gilbeck dropped 16 points in the win. 

“This loss is a major roadblock that we now have to overcome,” said Cone. As the Filipinos seek their first FIBA Asia Cup in 40 years. 

 “But coming into this tournament, we truly believed we had a real chance to go far—no doubt about it. If that means coming from the loser’s bracket, then that’s what we’ll have to do.” He added. 

Gilas will look to bounce back from the opening loss against Oceania powerhouse New Zealand on Thursday, 11pm Philippine time. 

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