Gilas Pilipinas def New Zealand, 93-89 [2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers | Nov. 21, 2024]

After re-familiarizing themselves with coach Tim Cone’s dynamic system at a rigorous three-day training camp, Gilas Pilipinas gears up for a thrilling showdown on Thursday against the formidable New Zealand, a perennial powerhouse in Oceania basketball. This clash marks the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers and will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., where an anticipated “sea of blue” is expected to flood the venue, as passionate Filipino basketball fans are ready to turn out en masse to rally behind their national team.

Both squads enter this eagerly awaited matchup tied at the top of Group B, boasting identical 2-0 records.

The Philippines delivered a commanding performance against Hong Kong, rolling to a decisive 94-64 victory on the road, before dismantling Taiwan with a resounding 106-53 triumph at the Mall of Asia Arena during the first window in February.

Conversely, New Zealand showcased their dominance by overpowering Taiwan, 89-69, and crushing Hong Kong, 88-49, in their opening window.

Securing a win would put the Philippines in prime position to clinch one of the two automatic spots for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, which is set to unfold from August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Coach Cone has emphasized that they should expect the Tall Blacks to unleash their trademark rugged style of play, a physicality that echoes the influences of rugby, which has long been intertwined with New Zealand’s sporting culture.