New Zealand def Gilas Pilipinas [2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers | Feb. 23, 2025]

Gilas Pilipinas faces off against New Zealand in a highly anticipated rematch where the top seed in Group B of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers hangs in the balance.

The showdown is set to unfold at 10 a.m. (Manila time) on Sunday at the Spark Arena in Auckland.

The home team is eager to settle the score with the Filipinos, who narrowly defeated the Tall Blacks 93-89 in their first encounter last November at the Mall of Asia Arena. This victory marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time the Philippines triumphed over New Zealand in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament.

However, Gilas Pilipinas enters this matchup on the back foot, having suffered a three-game losing streak, including a 91-84 setback against Chinese Taipei in their penultimate qualifier last Friday.

Coach Tim Cone acknowledged the formidable challenge of overcoming the Tall Blacks on their home turf, especially with the team grappling with a series of losses that began during a friendly tournament in Doha, Qatar last week.

In stark contrast, the Tall Blacks approach the rematch brimming with confidence following their impressive 91-52 victory over Hong Kong on the same Friday.

New Zealand’s win, coupled with Gilas’ defeat, has resulted in a tie at the top of Group B, with both teams holding a record of 4-1. Thus, the winner of this final qualifier will secure the coveted No. 1 seed heading into the FIBA Asia Cup tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this August.

Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell is acutely aware of the stakes involved as both the Philippines and New Zealand have already secured spots in the main tournament as the top two teams in their group.