November 21 ------ AS expected, there was no shake-up in the Gilas Pilipinas roster for its game against New Zealand on Thursday in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers. Justin Brownlee will once again lead Gilas Pilipinas to its match against the Tall Blacks as the team practically kept the same line-up that they had in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia. Injured players AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo, and naturalized player Ange Kouame didn't make the final 12.
The only addition from the OQT roster is Scottie Thompson, who missed the Riga, Latvia OQT due to an injury in his back. June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Japeth Aguilar, and Mason Amos round out the Gilas roster for the Thursday contest at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Philippines comes in to its match-up against New Zealand with the top spot in Group C on the line as both squads sport a 2-0 win-loss record entering Thursday night’s clash. A win would move the Philippines closer to a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 to be held in August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, finishing the task by also winning against Hong Kong on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
If Gilas loses, the Philippines can still clinch a ticket by winning over Hong Kong, and New Zealand beating Chinese Taipei in their game on Monday.
Source: spin.ph
Comments