Second generation Filipino-Japanese basketball player Matthew Aquino made a successful debut for the Japanese national basketball team as they picked up a close 76-71 win over Chinese-Taipei in Group B of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers second window on Saturday at the Okinawa Arena in Japan.
Gilas Pilipinas beat India, 88-64 on Friday, February 25 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum behind 32 points combined from Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena.
Having been the face of Gilas Pilipinas ever since he made his men’s senior national team debut back in 2020, Dwight Ramos was aware that there were still two things he has not accomplished yet while donning the national colors for two years: to play inside the historic Smart-Araneta Coliseum and play in front of Filipino fans.
Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena combined for 32 points as Gilas Pilipinas pulled away in the middle two quarters to outlast India, 88-64 on Friday in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers second window at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
After a 101-46 statement victory over India on Thursday in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers second window, The New Zealand Tall Blacks are now preparing for what is expected to be a competitive clash against Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday, February 27.
Playing in their first FIBA official game in over a year, the Tall Blacks reminded the international basketball scene that they’re among the best countries in hoops.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is wary of India’s height and vast improvement throughout the years, which is why he reminded the squad members to bring their best game against the South Asian side.
The Philippines will host a “bubble” window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February 2022, the basketball governing body announced.
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