Tim Cone says Gilas ‘outcoached’ in loss to Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone took full accountability for the team’s 95-87 defeat to Chinese Taipei — a loss that dealt a huge early blow to their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign.

Cone, the most accomplished coach in PBA history, didn’t mince words as he admitted to being “outcoached” by Chinese Taipei tactician Gianluca Tucci, who once again got the better of Gilas following their 91-84 upset of the Philippines in the FIBA Asia qualifiers back in February.

"Obviously we didn’t play a very good one. [I’m] disappointed with the way we played, we got behind early in the game and just played on our heels the whole way. It’s like we’re in panic mode for 40 minutes," Cone said.

"They’re playing high-level basketball, extremely well-coached. Obviously, they outcoached us tonight. A disappointing performance on my part and really hurt by the loss."

Chinese Taipei got off to a hot start in the game with sniper Ying-Chun Chen scoring 11 of his game-high 34 points in the first quarter alone, which helped them build a lead as big as 17 points, 27-10.

But Gilas Pilipinas stood its ground with the likes of Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, and Justin Brownlee sparking a comeback.

Quiambao, who made the most of his 16 minutes of playing time, opened the payoff period with a personal 5-0 run. He also knocked down a tough three-pointer to bring the Filipinos to within six, 80-74, with 4:43 left.

Chen, however, dashed whatever hope Gilas had left, drilling another triple and sinking two free throws to push Chinese Taipei ahead, 85-74.

Quiambao would still show some fight in him by firing a triple, but Chinese Taipei big man Brandon Gilbeck converted back-to-back baskets including a game-sealing dunk to close it out for the world no. 73 Chinese Taipei. 

Cone admitted that the win proved Chinese Taipei has the tools to contend for a podium finish in the tournament.

"If Chinese Taipei continues to play like they did, making shots the way that they were making, [then] they could be one of the guys that gets a medal, without a doubt," he said. 

But his focus isn't on the other team right now, stressing they have to regroup as one unit, especially as they will have to go up against a powerhouse New Zealand next. 

READ MORE | Gilas Pilipinas at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup: Schedule vs Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq

Gilas will look to atone for the opening day loss on Thursday night against the Tall Blacks, who cruised to an early 1-0 card in Group D following a 100-78 win over Iraq. 

"But we’ll see what we can do, we have to see if we can bounce back from this and move forward. That’s the only thing that we can do at this point."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News