MANILA (Philippines) - The Philippines have closed out their November window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers by maintaining their perfect record and, as a result, qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines finished their part of the job by beating Hong Kong, China, 93-54, and had their qualification status confirmed once New Zealand defeated Chinese Taipei, 81-64.
Gilas Pilipinas had displayed right out of the gates that they were favorites to qualify directly to the Asia Cup as one of the top two teams in Group B. They ended window 1 as one of the best offensive teams in the entire Continental Cup Qualifiers in terms of scoring, efficiency, and passing the ball.
At the end of the November window, not much has changed as of the morning of November 25.
The Philippines are still one of the highest-scoring teams in the world, second to only Australia.
Top scoring teams (per game) in Windows 1 and 2 of Continental Cup Qualifiers
* as of November 24, 2024
Only five teams are averaging at least 90 points per game in the Continental Cup Qualifiers and the Philippines are well above that threshold at 96.5 points per contest.
Moreover, they are the most efficient team (EFF per game) in the Continental Cup Qualifiers - and leading the pack by quite a large margin.
Only 13 teams are averaging over 100 EFF per game so far. Of those teams, only 7 are averaging over 110 EFF per game. The list is cut down to only three teams when filtered to those averaging at least 120 EFF per game. And standing tall above them all, the Philippines are the only team in the Continental Cup Qualifiers that are averaging over 130 EFF per game at 134.3.
Most efficient teams (EFF per game) in Windows 1 and 2 of Continental Cup Qualifiers
* as of November 24, 2024
As always, a key number that matters the most to Gilas and coach Tim Cone is how they share the ball and distribute their offense. While they weren't able to top the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers high of 33 dimes (set by the Philippines themselves in the February window), they still are on top among all teams in the Continental Cup Qualifiers in assists per game.
Most assists per game by team in Windows 1 and 2 of Continental Cup Qualifiers
* as of November 24, 2024
They are also still doing a great of handling the ball as well, leading by a wide margin in terms of assist per turnover.
Highest assists per turnovers by team in Windows 1 and 2 of Continental Cup Qualifiers
* as of November 24, 2024
With the high-level and efficient offensive output and continuity that the Philippines have displayed, it's no surprise that they've qualified for the Asia Cup next year. It will be their 8th consecutive 29th appearance overall in the flagship competition.
Once they tipoff in Saudi Arabia next year, don't be surprised if they light up the competition with their offense once again.
FIBA