Chinese Taipei pulled off a reversal over Window 1 tormentor Gilas Pilipinas to boost its bid in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
For the first time since the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, Chinese Taipei finally pulled one over Gilas Pilipinas.
A revamped Chinese Taipei banked on B.LEAGUE Asian Import Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga to shock Gilas Pilipinas, 91-84, in Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium Thursday, February 20.
Ting-Chien Lin and Gadiaga scored 21 points each, while Chun Hsiang Lu pitched in 18.
Chinese Taipei made 15 of 43 three pointers, with an accuracy of 34.88%.
Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee's 39-point herculean effort--with eight triples--went for naught. He also had six rebounds and eight assists.
The Filipinos' 17 turnovers proved to be too costly for the team.
This is Gilas' first loss in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. While assured of a berth in the main draw, the Philippines is looking to secure the top spot for a better seeding in Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines, still struggling without Kai Sotto, will hope to close the Qualifiers on a high against New Zealand on February 23, 10 a.m. (Philippine time).