Gilas Pilipinas duel New Zealand for solo Group B lead | FIBA standings

The race for the top-2 spots in Group B of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers is heating up ahead of the second window of games this week.

After the first set of games last February, the Philippines and New Zealand remain undefeated at 2-0, while Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei are still searching for their first wins.

Only the top-2 teams from each group will secure direct qualification to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 proper in Saudi Arabia, while the third-placed teams will battle it out in a final qualifying tournament.

The Philippines lead their the group after wins over Hong Kong on the road and Chinese Taipei at home.

Gilas Pilipinas will be tested though, as they host New Zealand and Hong Kong in the second window at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Gilas-New Zealand showdown will be on November 21, while the Hong Kong game is set for November 24.

New Zealand also sits at 2-0 after defeating Hong Kong at home and Chinese Taipei on the road. The critical matchup against Gilas could more or less decide who wins the group.

Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei are both winless at 0-2. Hong Kong dropped games to the Philippines and New Zealand in the first window and will need to regroup as they face road games against the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei will host Hong Kong, before visiting New Zealand in the second window, hoping to turn their fortunes around. 

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FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Group B standings:

1. Philippines 2-0
   
2. New Zealand 2-0
   
3. Hong Kong 0-2
   
4. Chinese Taipei 0-2
   

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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]