With euphoria still in the air after the Nationals’ historic win over New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas is keeping its focus on the task at hand – and that is to qualify to the main draw of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup next year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

And the wards of head coach Tim Cone have the chance to finally secure that ticket when they take on Hong Kong in the second part of their home stand of the qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Nov. 24.

Riding the momentum of Gilas’ first-ever win over the Tall Blacks, 93-89, last Thursday, Nov. 21, the Nationals are expected to run roughshod once again over the visiting Hong Kong which the Philippines defeated by 30 points, 98-68, in their first meeting. 

Tip off of the clash is at 7:30 p.m. with Kai Sotto, who has been flourishing as one of the best big men in Asia under the tutelage of Cone, along with Scottie Thompson, Justin Brownlee and Chris Newsome expected to lead the charge.

The Filipinos are sitting alone at the top of the Group B standings with a perfect 3-0 record and a win would give them the early passage to the main event even if there’s still one window left in the qualifiers in February.

Even before the Nationals formally secure their ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup, Cone is already tipping his hat off to the players for their dedication and sacrifices for the national team.

“I'll be honest, they are not making big money doing this. They’re coming basically on a small, little portion of the salaries they are making on their home teams than what they’re making here,” said Cone.

“They are coming in here with their hearts more than their pockets and they’re here and they are giving their all they are doing two a day practices,” he added. 

Sotto, who was even questionable ahead of the window due to concussion protocols, religiously showed up to Gilas practice and as a result, had his best game in the national tri-colors after posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks against New Zealand.

“This poor guy (Sotto) had to come to a two day practice coming off a concussion and still battle through it all and everybody has been doing the same so my hat is really off to the players and all what they are doing to get to this level and get to this point,” said Cone.

“I think we all should be proud of them,” added the veteran mentor.

Hong Kong, for its part, remained winless through three games in the qualifiers and is coming off a 55-85 trashing at the hands of Chinese Taipei also last Thursday at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium.

Oliver Xu was the team’s best player with 11 points while former Bay Area Dragons center Duncan Reid had eight points and six rebounds.