Gilas Pilipinas’ Kai Sotto (center) with Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo during the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifying match against Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas won the second window of Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifying and in both games, Kai Sotto showed why he is one of the new go-to guys for the Nationals.
Gilas once again defended its home court after defeating Hong Kong 93-54 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night, following another outstanding performance from star big man Sotto.
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READ: Kai Sotto puts in impressive performance to defend Gilas home court
“It’s a good feeling, but it all starts with hard work. I worked hard for it, the whole team also worked hard for it, so I am very happy that we got both wins in this window,” Sotto said in Filipino.
“We learned a lot and we all improved a lot for this team.”
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Kai Sotto of Gilas Pilipinas during a 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifier against Hong Kong at the Mall of Asia Arena. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
After a great performance against New Zealand, where the Philippines won a historic 93-89 win, Sotto had another monster game to push Gilas to a 4-0 mark in qualifying.
Against New Zealand, Sotto almost achieved a Fiba-best triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
READ: Justin Brownlee praises Kai Sotto for Gilas Pilipinas win
It was almost no different on Sunday night as the Japan B.League Filipino import posted another double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds with two blocks for good measure against Hong Kong.
“We wanted to respect our opponents and respect the game. We wanted to go out and play hard. We had a slow start, but we made it. I am happy that everyone contributed,” said Sotto from Hong Kong.
Heading into their fourth game in continental qualifying, the standout Koshigaya Alphas were averaging 16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.3 blocks and nearly one steal per game, which proved to be an anchor for coach Tim Cone.
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Sotto will look to continue his string of exemplary games on February 20 when Gilas opens its third run against Chinese Taipei.