MANILA, Philippines—Chinese Taipei had no shortage of motivation in its rematch against Gilas Pilipinas in the third and final window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Just ask the team’s new naturalized player, Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga.

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Granted he wasn’t there when Gilas mauled Chinese Taipei in the first window, 106-53, but he surely noted that scene in his mind heading into their’ second clash in the qualifiers.

“I think the last time we played the Philippines, we lost by a lot so this time my mental idea is we need to win against them,” said Gadiaga after their 91-84 grudge win over the Philippines at Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium on Thursday night.

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Chinese Taipei’s Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga during the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –FIBA BASKETBALL

“This is just the start. I feel like we can be better than today.”

Gadiaga was unable to suit up for Chinese Taipei in the first window of the Asia Cup qualifiers but he immediately made his presence felt when he was inserted in the Chinese’s lineup in November.

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers third window

Since then, Chinese Taipei has gone 2-1 in the qualifiers for the continental meet happening at Saudi Arabia in August.

But Gadiaga reserved his best game against the Philippines.

The American-Senegalese swingma,n who grew up in Taiwan,  posted 21 points and four rebounds built on four triples in the win that breathed life into Chinese Taipei’s bid to reach the Fiba Asia Cup.

“I hope the next game we win, I hope we can be a better team for all of us and the country,” Gadiaga said.