Kai Sotto produced his best game yet in a Gilas Pilipinas Men uniform, flirting with a triple-double against New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
With June Mar Fajardo thrown off his comfort zone, Kai Sotto stepped up big time in Gilas Pilipinas' 93-89 win over New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Sotto did almost everything for the Nationals who were hungry for a win against the team that beat them four times in as many games since the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
He churned out 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in a near triple-double. As if those numbers were not enough, he also swiped a steal and swatted two blocks to the delight of the over 16,000 screaming fans in attendance at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Kai Sotto steals the show in Gilas Pilipinas' swashbuckling opening win against New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Thursday, Nov. 21. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Like his 7-foot-3 frame, his stellar outing did not go unnoticed.
“And don’t forget the seven assists that Kai had tonight. I mean, it’s amazing. He’s doing it all, scoring, rebounding and assists,” said Gilas coach Tim Cone.
[RELATED STORY: Kai Sotto-June Mar Fajardo tandem a 'really good rotation' says Gilas coach Tim Cone]
But when asked about his tour-de-force performance, Sotto deferred credit to his teammates.
“Para sa'kin, it’s really a great team win offensively and defensively. May mga lapses kami noong first half pero noong second half, nag-pick up kami. I think everybody did a good job,” said Sotto.
Sotto savors Gilas' breakthrough against the 22nd ranked Tall Blacks which was a result of their hard work in their preparations.
“Nagsimula lahat sa preparation namin. Simula window noong February, tuluy-tuloy lang kami,” he said.
“Manalo-matalo, tinitingnan lang namin ang bigger picture. Happy kaming nanalo kami ngayon kasi pinaghirapan talaga.”
Sotto and Gilas look to wrap up the second window unscathed and punch their ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 when they take on Hong Kong on Sunday, Nov. 24, at the same venue.