Foul-troubled Gilas Pilipinas suffered an 87-95 setback against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday morning to open their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Justin Brownlee fouled out with 4:51 left in the game, halting the Philippines’ comeback bid after trimming the Taiwanese lead to just six points.
Ying Chun Chen powered Chinese Taipei with 34 points, including two clutch free throws in the final 3:49 that extended their lead to 85-74, sealing the win.
Brownlee led Gilas with 19 points and seven rebounds before his early exit, which came just as the team had closed in at 74-80 with 4:31 remaining.
The loss dropped the Philippines to the bottom of Group D, just ahead of Iraq, which also fell to New Zealand, 78-100, in their opening game.
Kevin Quiambao scored 17 points, including 10 straight in a crucial stretch, highlighted by a three-pointer that brought Gilas within striking distance. Scottie Thompson added 16 points in the losing effort.
Chinese Taipei got additional firepower from Brandon Gilbeck with 16 points, while Ting Chien Lin and Robert Hinton chipped in 14 apiece. A strong 10-2 run in the opening period gave the Taiwanese a 27-16 advantage, which set the tone for the match.
The defeat marked the Philippines’ second consecutive loss to Chinese Taipei, following their 84-91 setback in the final window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers last February 20.
Gilas will look to bounce back in a crucial showdown against a dangerous New Zealand Tall Blacks squad on Thursday at 11 p.m. (Philippine time).
