MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas ended the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers with back-to-back losses, falling 87-70 to a dominant New Zealand squad at Spark Arena in Auckland.
The Tall Blacks took control early, sinking 10-of-19 three-pointers in the first half to build a commanding 53-33 lead.
Led by Australian NBL veteran Tohi Smith-Milner’s 25-point, nine-rebound performance, New Zealand secured the top spot in Group B with a 5-1 record.
Gilas struggled without injured 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto, missing his inside presence.
The team finished second in the group at 4-2 after also losing to Taiwan, 91-84, earlier in the week.
Despite the setbacks, the Philippines had already secured its ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Chris Newsome led Gilas with 13 points, while June Mar Fajardo and Justin Brownlee added 11 and 10, respectively.
Brownlee, who exploded for 39 points against Taiwan, was held in check by New Zealand’s defense.
New Zealand avenged its previous 93-89 loss to the Philippines last November, proving why it remains a formidable force in the region.
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