SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Gilas Falls Short In Double-OT Thriller Against New Zealand
Photo credit: FIBA
Gilas Pilipinas came within inches of pulling off a statement victory but ultimately fell to New Zealand, 106-102, in a gripping double-overtime battle in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Friday at Spark Arena in Auckland.
The Filipinos showed tremendous grit throughout the 50-minute contest, battling back from late deficits and forcing two overtime periods before the Tall Blacks finally pulled away in the closing moments.
Gilas refused to back down after trailing late in regulation, delivering timely baskets and defensive stops to extend the game. The Philippines then matched New Zealand possession for possession in the first overtime, setting up another tense five-minute period.
However, the Tall Blacks capitalized on Gilas' late turnovers and converted crucial free throws in the second overtime to escape with the hard-fought victory before their home crowd.
Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kevin Quiambao led Gilas Pilipinas with 23 points apiece, while Dwight Ramos added 18 points. Justin Brownlee, despite being held to just five points by New Zealand's defense, contributed in other areas with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block before fouling out.
New Zealand was led by Reuben Te Rangi, who finished with 22 points as the Tall Blacks improved to 3-2 in Group A.
Despite the loss, Gilas proved it could compete with one of Oceania's top basketball teams, pushing the Tall Blacks to the limit in one of the most entertaining games of the qualifying tournament.
The Philippines had already secured a place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers before the game. However, the defeat dropped Gilas to a 2-3 record, with first-round results carrying over into the next phase of qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
Gilas Pilipinas will close out its first-round campaign against Australia on July 6 in Perth.
The Filipinos showed tremendous grit throughout the 50-minute contest, battling back from late deficits and forcing two overtime periods before the Tall Blacks finally pulled away in the closing moments.
Gilas refused to back down after trailing late in regulation, delivering timely baskets and defensive stops to extend the game. The Philippines then matched New Zealand possession for possession in the first overtime, setting up another tense five-minute period.
However, the Tall Blacks capitalized on Gilas' late turnovers and converted crucial free throws in the second overtime to escape with the hard-fought victory before their home crowd.
Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kevin Quiambao led Gilas Pilipinas with 23 points apiece, while Dwight Ramos added 18 points. Justin Brownlee, despite being held to just five points by New Zealand's defense, contributed in other areas with eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block before fouling out.
New Zealand was led by Reuben Te Rangi, who finished with 22 points as the Tall Blacks improved to 3-2 in Group A.
Despite the loss, Gilas proved it could compete with one of Oceania's top basketball teams, pushing the Tall Blacks to the limit in one of the most entertaining games of the qualifying tournament.
The Philippines had already secured a place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers before the game. However, the defeat dropped Gilas to a 2-3 record, with first-round results carrying over into the next phase of qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
Gilas Pilipinas will close out its first-round campaign against Australia on July 6 in Perth.
Jul 3, 2026
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