GILAS PILIPINAS’ bid for back-to-back Asian Games gold medals collapsed in stunning fashion Monday as China dismantled the defending champions, 105-61, at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, in the men’s basketball competition of the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
The 44-point rout sent the Philippines crashing out of the tournament at the group stage and ended its reign as Asian Games champion.
China wasted little time asserting its superiority, taking control early and steadily widening the gap as Gilas struggled to match its opponents’ speed, size and offensive firepower.
The Filipinos tried to stay within striking distance, but China repeatedly answered every challenge with baskets and suffocating defense. The Chinese also took advantage of Gilas’ offensive struggles, turning missed shots and turnovers into easy scoring opportunities.
By the second half, the game had effectively turned into a one-sided affair, with China continuing to pile on the points while the Philippines struggled to generate enough offense to threaten a comeback.
The result was particularly painful for Gilas, which arrived in Aichi-Nagoya as the defending champion after capturing the men’s basketball gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Instead of advancing to the knockout stage, the Philippines saw its title defense end before the quarterfinals.
The defeat also highlighted the difficult road ahead for Gilas as it continues to rebuild its national team program and compete against Asia’s established basketball powers.
Undefeated China, meanwhile, advanced from the group stage with a commanding victory and sent a strong message to the rest of the field.
For the Philippines, there was little left to do but absorb the setback, evaluate the campaign and look ahead.
The 105-61 loss not only ended Gilas Pilipinas’ Asian Games title defense but also marked a sobering conclusion to its Aichi-Nagoya campaign.
