Gilas eye redemption vs Chinese Taipei in Fiba Asia Cup 2025, August 6

Gilas Pilipinas is out for payback as they face Chinese Taipei once again in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 at 2 a.m., Wednesday, August 6 (Philippine time), at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The last time they met in February, Lu Chun-Hsiang buried a clutch three with 47 seconds left, lifting Chinese Taipei to a 91–84 upset over Gilas Pilipinas. The late-game heroics, capped by a Brandon Gilbeck slam and a Lu steal off Dwight Ramos, handed the Philippines its first loss.

This rematch carries even more weight, with both squads battling for a stronger position in the race for Asian basketball supremacy.

Gilas head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Taiwan had already beaten them once, and this time, they’ve bolstered their lineup with the addition of the Hinton brothers, Adam and Robert, two young standouts from the US NCAA Division 1.

“Those guys are making a real impact,” Cone told One Sports. “So they definitely have the personnel. It wasn’t a fluke that they beat us, and so we have to be really prepared for them.”

Gilas Pilipinas sharpened its form with two tune-up wins—edging the Macau Black Bears in Manila, 103–98, and dominating Jordan behind closed doors in Jeddah, 75–61.

Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei tuned up for the Asia Cup by finishing second to Strong Group in the Jones Cup.

Cone pointed out that Chinese Taipei came well-prepared, playing six or seven games in the Jones Cup, where they dominated the field. Their only stumble came against Strong Group, the lone team to hand them a loss.

Gilas guard Chris Newsome acknowledged their previous loss to Chinese Taipei, saying the team is eager and determined to even the score in their upcoming rematch.

New Zealand is chasing another medal at the Fiba Asia Cup 2025, but they know Group D won’t be a walk in the park. The Tall Blacks are grouped with familiar foes—the Philippines and Chinese Taipei, teams they've battled often in recent qualifiers.

Gilas stunned New Zealand in Manila, snapping a four-game skid with a 93–89 win, before the Kiwis bounced back with an 87–70 blowout in the next window. Chinese Taipei also made noise, handing the Philippines a tough 91–84 loss.

Now, the three teams meet again with higher stakes. New Zealand may have the edge as 2022 bronze medalists, but with both Gilas and Taipei out to prove something, this group is wide open. MLSA