Gilas looks to recover, battles New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup

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THEY got waylaid in their first assignment. Another loss will certainly create serious problems.

With this in mind, Gilas Pilipinas is expected to go all out when it battles New Zealand in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup late Thursday night (Philippine time), August 7, at the King Abdullah Sports Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Tip-off is set at 11 p.m.

The Nationals looked sharp days leading to the actual competition, winning two tuneup games against Macau and Jordan.

Gilas, however, fell flat when it opened its campaign in the continental showpiece with an 87-95 loss to Chinese Taipei.

Justin Brownlee fired 19 points against Chinese Taipei but fouled out in the final four minutes that contributed to Gilas’ downfall. Kevin Quiambao scored 17 points and Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos each had 16 markers in a balanced attack that still failed to save the Nationals.

Jordan, on the other hand, got off to a hot start, blasting Iraq, 100-78, on Wednesday night, August 6.

Gilas and New Zealand split their last two matches.

The Nationals defeated the Tall Blacks, 93-89, at the Mall of Asia Arena during the Asia Cup qualifiers last November. New Zealand got back, defending their home turf by blasting Gilas, 87-70, at Spark Arena in Auckland at the end of the qualification six months ago.(CCM)