Young Filipino big man Kai Sotto had a monster game but redirected the credit to the entire Gilas Pilipinas squad, noting that the Philippine team's historic 93-89 win over New Zealand on Thursday night, was a 'great team win.'Sotto flirted with a triple-double after finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as the Philippines ended its four-game losing streak against New Zealand.Before the game, Gilas Pilipinas lost by an average margin of over 24 points to New Zealand dating back to the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.'Everybody contributed and I'm just very happy that we got the win,' Sotto said during the post-game interview for the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Manila. '(We) Really worked hard in terms of preparation and coming into this game.'Sotto played with eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo with great ease as the Gilas Pilipinas front court duo helped control the glass, 28-23, as the national squad enjoyed a 16-8 offensive rebounding advantage.The soft-spoken Sotto said the team made sure to give their very best against the Tall Blacks who flaunted their usual rugged, physical game against the host squad.'We just want to bring our A-game because we know how good New Zealand is and we really respect them as a team,' said the 22-year-old Sotto, who was cleared from concussion protocols a few days before the game. He was placed under concussion protocols early last week after getting an inadvertent hit during his team Koshigaya Alphas' 80-72 victory against the Yokohama B-Corsairs.Tim Cone, meanwhile, recognized Sotto for his effort and commitment.'I just love the commitment that Kai is showing, coming in everyday and everytime, coming in early,' said Cone.'They are going to two-a-day practices, poor guy [Sotto] had to go through two-a-day practices coming off a concussion. And still battled through it all. And everybody is doing the same,' he added.Sotto, buoyed up by the breakthrough win, is looking forward to punctuating the Philippines' home stand with another win come Sunday against Hong Kong.'I'm just happy we got the win and hopefully, we get another one on Sunday against Hong Kong,' said Sotto.Gilas leads Group B with a 3-0 record, while New Zealand is at 2-1 for second spot.More importantly, the Philippines could formalize its entry to the FIBA Asia Cup set this August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with a victory over Hong Kong on Sunday.The Philippines routed Hong Kong, 94-64, last February in the first window.
