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ASIA, BASKETBALL, CHINA, CHRIS NEWSOME, COREY WEBSTER, DEFEAT, GILAS, GILAS PI, GILAS PILIPINAS, HONG KONG, INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, INTERNATIONAL EVENTS, JUSTIN BROWNLEE, KAI SOTTO, MALL OF ASIA ARENA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, NORTH AMERICA, OCEANIA, PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES, QUALIFICATION, SOTTO, TALL BLACKS
Clara Montgomery
Gilas Pilipinas Defeats New Zealand 93-89, Remains Undefeated in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
Gilas Pilipinas triumphed over New Zealand with a 93-89 victory, securing their first-ever win against the Tall Blacks in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto starred with double-doubles, helping the team maintain an undefeated record. The victory showcased the resilience of the Gilas team, particularly in overcoming early challenges.
In a thrilling encounter, the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team achieved a historic milestone by securing their maiden victory over New Zealand, finishing with a score of 93-89 during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. This win at the Mall of Asia Arena not only preserved their unbeaten streak but also marked a significant achievement in Philippine basketball history. Key players Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto delivered exceptional performances, contributing double-doubles that were instrumental in the triumph. Brownlee led the charge with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Sotto added 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
The match commenced with New Zealand establishing early dominance, leading to multiple timeouts called by Head Coach Tim Cone. With the team’s tactical adjustments, Gilas managed to recover and equalize at halftime, setting the stage for a pivotal third-quarter surge. Sotto’s remarkable contributions during a decisive 16-3 scoring run propelled the team to a 72-63 lead heading into the final period. Despite challenges from the Tall Blacks, a crucial three-pointer from Chris Newsome late in the game helped maintain the lead and secure victory.
The Gilas Pilipinas team continues to pursue qualification for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup, exhibiting resilience and tenacity against formidable opponents like New Zealand. They will next face Hong Kong, China, marking the final game of the second qualification window.
The FIBA Asia Cup is a premier basketball tournament that showcases competing national teams across Asia. The qualifiers are essential for teams to secure their positions in the upcoming tournament. Historically, the Philippines has had mixed results against various teams, but the recent game against New Zealand stands out as a landmark achievement. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tim Cone, the Gilas Pilipinas team has been striving for excellence and consistency, aiming to elevate Philippine basketball on the Asian stage. Their continued success reflects not just individual talent but also strategic teamwork and preparation.
In conclusion, the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team demonstrated remarkable determination by defeating New Zealand 93-89, marking their first victory against the Tall Blacks and extending their perfect record in the qualifiers. The contributions from players like Justin Brownlee and Kai Sotto were pivotal in achieving this success, showcasing the team’s potential as they pursue further victories in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. As they prepare for their next match against Hong Kong, the team looks to build on this significant win and continue their strong performance.
Original Source: olympics.com
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