MANILA – New Zealand just proved to be too much for Gilas Pilipinas. They cruised to an 88-63 domination in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Philippine men’s basketball team were just no match to the firepower and offensive accuracy of New Zealand as they dropped to 2-1 win-loss record in their group stage.
The Vincent “Chot” Reyes-mentored crew are expected to end the first window of the qualifiers with 3-1 slate with the impending default win against COVID-19 hit South Korea tonight.
Gilas Pilipinas managed to keep in step with the New Zealanders after the opening quarter as they were just down 22-19 before the visiting team connected their outside hits for a 40-30 halftime lead.
The Philippines were still able to cut the deficit to eight points early in the third quarter but New Zealand regained their outside shooting as the advantage swelled to 65-45.
After triples by Philippines’ Dwight Ramos and Robert Bolick Jr., New Zealand converted inside shots in the fourth quarter as the lead reached its biggest at 26 points.
Dion Prewster and Tom Vodanovich spearheaded New Zealand, now with a perfect 2-0 win-loss slate, with their identical 20 points and 10 rebounds output.
Taane Samuel, who previously played for De La Salle University Green Archers in the UAAP, had a solid game for New Zealand with 20 points, while Ritchie Rodgers, a former recruit of the University of the East, was scoreless.
Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena paced Gilas with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals, Ramos tallied a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The Philippines men’s basketball team will face both India and New Zealand on the road come the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers from June 30-July 3.
BOX SCORE:
NEW ZEALAND 88 – Vodanovich 20, Prewster 20, Loe 15, Samuel 12, Rusbatch 10, Harris 5, Fahrensohn 4, Gold 0, Cook-Green 0, Rodger 0.
PHILIPPINES 63 – Ravena 23, Ramos 18, Bolick 10, Kouame 5, Pogoy 4, Rosario 2, Williams 1, Erram 0, Montalbo 0, De Liano 0, Navarro 0, Tungcab 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 40-30, 65-48, 88-63./PN
