MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas will open its campaign in the second leg of the first round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup against Japan at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 25.

Gilas whipped Japan in the first leg of the qualifiers in their opponent's home soil, 77-71, after Jason Castro dropped 20 points to go along with seven boards and six dimes.

• READ: FIBA World Cup qualifiers: Gilas survives scrappy Japan

The national team then returned to Manila and trounced visiting Chinese Taipei, 90-83, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

• READ: FIBA World Cup qualifiers: Strong finish keys Gilas win over Chinese-Taipei

With back-to-back wins, Philippines is now enjoying a 2-0 record, tied with Australia on top of the standings in Group B.

Japan and Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, both remain winless after the first leg.

Gilas is also set to host powerhouse Australia on July 2 at the Philippine Arena for the third leg of the competition.

“By playing in the three venues – the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, and the Philippine Arena, this will serve as a dry run of our hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Renauld N. Barrios.

• READ: Philippines, 2 nations to host 2023 FIBA World Cup

According to Barrios, the three venues were included in the presentation submitted for the country’s 2023 bid.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).