Gilas Pilipinas scores first win vs Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines – No PBA veterans, no problem. Gilas Pilipinas cadets posted a very convincing win versus Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers on November 27, 2020 in Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain.

Gilas Pilipinas scores first win vs Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers
Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez De Liano led the way with 20 and 12 points respectively versus Thailand. Photo Credit: ESPN 5

Despite the global pandemic, FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Asian qualifiers pushed through in “Bahrain Bubble” where Gilas Pilipinas aims to secure a spot in the prestigious Asian basketball tournament.

As PBA has an ongoing All-Filipino Cup conference, the Philippines sent the Gilas cadets headed by high-flying Kobe Paras to represent the country.

Team Pilipinas faced Thailand in its first assignment of this window and it was not easy for Gilas to leave its Southeast Asian rival behind in the opener as the Thais came well-prepared and loaded with three point shooters.

In spite of a shaky start, the national team led Thailand, 21-19.

It was in the 2nd period where the cadets found their rhythm. Juan Gomez De Liano started to wax hot from the outside while his brother, Javi made a living under the basket.

Aside from Gomez De Liano, Isaac Go and Matt Nieto also fired up from the three point territory that gave Gilas Pilipinas a humongous 53-29 advantage after the first 20 minutes of the game.

Newcomer and Ateneo De Manila University big man Dwight Ramos has been a huge revelation so far for Gilas Pilipinas. Ramos posted a double figure in the 3rd quarter.

Gilas Cadets maintained their position as they approached the final canto with a 75-43 lead.

Thailand attempted to come back at the beginning of the final period. The Thais lost their sting at the three point lane but regained their strength in the fourth.

Thailand drained a handful of baskets in the 4th quarter but Philippines countered through transition offense and wrapped up its opening campaign, 93-61.


The cadets will face the Thais anew on Monday, November 30 at 9pm.

— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express



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  1. I am impressed by how the Gilas team played Thailand. Two more big men should make the team more solid.

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