MANILA, Philippines — Nearly, however not fairly.
Gilas Pilipinas put up a combat however ran out of steam in opposition to New Zealand, 94-86, to stay winless within the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi on Friday morning (Manila time).
Justin Brownlee’s 37 factors went down the drain, with the beloved import additionally lacking an important free throw within the remaining minute.
After trailing by as a lot as 18 factors within the second quarter, Gilas sliced the deficit to simply three, 82-85, with 3:52 remaining.
However enormous photographs by Taylor Britt, in addition to consecutive turnovers and misses by the Philippines, stored the Philippines at bay.
Consecutive turnovers by the Nationals didn’t assist them as nicely.
Gilas trailed by as a lot as 18 factors, 55-37, within the second body.
However the Filipinos turned issues round within the third body, slicing the deficit to simply 4, 64-68.
The Tall Blacks, although, recovered and stored their distance from their opponents.
Dwight Ramos backstopped Brownlee’s efforts with 19 factors, 4 rebounds, three steals and an help. June Mar Fajardo recovered from a dismal outing in opposition to Chinese language Taipei with 11 markers and 4 boards.
Jordan Ngatai completed with 22 markers for the Tall Blacks, with 19 coming within the first half on an ideal 6-of-6 taking pictures. He completed with a 7-of-8 clip from the sphere. Britt chipped in 19 for New Zealand, whereas Mojave Jackson King had 11.
Whereas the Philippines dropped to 0-2 within the tourney, all hope isn’t misplaced although. The Philippines may nonetheless punch a ticket to the qualifiers for the quarterfinals if it defeats Iraq of their remaining group section sport.
Gilas and Iraq will battle it out for his or her lives on Saturday, 4 p.m. (Manila time).