Gilas Pilipinas stuns New Zealand for the first time, inches closer to FIBA Asia Cup ticket

Gilas Pilipinas continued to flash its brilliance this year after beating New Zealand for the first time, 93-89, in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The Filipinos broke a four-game dry spell against the Tall Backs in a FIBA tournament under the guidance of Tim Cone, who formally took over the program this year. 

With the win, the Philippines inched closer to a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup slated in Saudi Arabia next year as it topped the Group B standings with three wins in as many games. 

Both sides engaged in a nip-and-tuck affair in the first half that saw the game locked at 54-all for the last time before Gilas unleashed an 18-6 run to gain a 72-60 upper hand towards the end of the third quarter. 

Despite last-ditch efforts that kept the Kiwis within sniffing distance, the Filipinos held on and protected their lead until Brownlee ultimately iced the game with two freebies. 

Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto led the nationals against the world no. 22 Kiwis with a pair of double-double outings from the steady big men.

Brownlee made the most of his 37-minute playing time as he delivered a game-high 26 points that went with 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks without committing a single foul. 

Sotto, who was nursing a sprained ankle in his last Japanese B. League match before flying out back home, turned in a near triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists on top of two steals and two blocks. 

The returning Scottie Thompson, who missed the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament four months ago due to recurring back problems, poured nine of his 12 points in the second quarter that gave Gilas a 35-31 lead with five minutes remaining before the break. He also grabbed four rebounds and six assists. 

Dwight Ramos, for his part, registered 11 points laced with six rebounds and four assists to the delight of the home crowd. 

New Zealand skipper Corey Webster, who has been behind the Kiwis’ recent international success, paced his side with 25 points highlighted by five three-pointers before the Philippines clamped down on him in the payoff period. 

Thomas Vodanovich, who pulled New Zealand within just three in the endgame, provided ample support with 19 points in the losing cause. 

New Zealand dropped to 2-1 as it goes back home and tackle Chinese Taipei on Monday.

Meanwhile, next up for the Filipinos will be Hong Kong on Sunday as they look to repeat over the visiting side and secure their place in the FIBA Asia Cup. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News