MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas let a late second-overtime lead slip away as New Zealand stormed back in the closing minutes to escape with a thrilling 106-102 victory Friday at Spark Arena in Auckland, denying the Filipinos a statement win in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The Philippines appeared on the verge of ending its losing streak against the Tall Blacks after Justin Brownlee buried a three-pointer that gave Gilas a 100-96 cushion with 2:12 left in the second overtime. But New Zealand responded with a decisive 10-2 finishing run, capitalizing on crucial possessions and converting clutch free throws to snatch the victory before its home crowd.
Reuben Te Rangi and Carlin Davison and each made a pair of free throws before Sam Menengga converted an inside basket to put the Tall Blacks ahead, 102-100.
Kevin Quiambao answered with a game-tying floater to knot the score at 102-all, but Menengga struck again inside before Jordan Ngatai and Shea Ili calmly sank two free throws apiece to complete New Zealand’s comeback.
Te Rangi spearheaded the Tall Blacks with 23 points, while Ili added 21 markers. Sam Waardenburg contributed 16 points, Menengga finished with 13, and Tai Webster chipped in 12.
Juan Gomez de Liaño and Quiambao carried the offensive load for Gilas with 23 points each. Dwight Ramos added 18 points, while Carl Tamayo chipped in 17.
Brownlee, the Philippines’ naturalized star, was held to just five points as New Zealand’s defense consistently denied him clean scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Despite the defeat, Gilas had already secured a place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers alongside Australia and New Zealand after Guam was officially eliminated from Pool A.
The loss also marked the Philippines’ fourth straight defeat to the Tall Blacks since its historic 93-89 victory over New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 21, 2024—still Gilas’ lone win over the Tall Blacks in FIBA competition.
Gilas will try to bounce back when it takes on Australia at RAC Arena in Perth on Monday evening, while New Zealand wraps up its first-round campaign against Guam at Spark Arena./PN
