GILAS Pilipinas gets to face New Zealand again in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Friday. Both teams have become familiar rivals, having crossed paths in different competitions over the past two years. This time, the two duel in Auckland, New Zealand as both teams look to move to the next round on a positive note.
Here is a preview of their match.
NEW ZEALAND VS. PHILIPPINES
When: Friday, July 3. 3 p.m. Philippine time (7 p.m. New Zealand time)
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland
Gilas’ losing skid vs. NZL
Gilas will look to end a four-game losing streak to the Tall Blacks in Friday’s game in Auckland. The Philippines’ last victory against New Zealand was on November 21, 2024 when it won at home at the Mall of Asia Arena 93-89. Since then, the Tall Blacks have won but not by a wide margin, with the last two games by an average margin of 5.5 points.
Tall Blacks look to progress
Of the two teams, the Tall Blacks have a lot more to play for than Gilas as the hosts have yet to secure a place in the second round even with a 2-2 win-loss record in a tie with Gilas in Group A. If New Zealand doesn’t win against the Philippines, they still have one last shot at advancing against Guam on Monday.
Sweep during tune-ups
In preparation for Window 3 of the World Cup qualifiers, Gilas played two tune-up games against New Zealand ballclubs, all winning it in convincing fashion against the Manawaru Jets, 92-61, and Franklin Bulls, 94-66. Obviously, the two club teams aren’t as formidable, but were nevertheless integral to Gilas becoming a unit especially with a few new players on the roster.
‘Motor Mike’ makes FIBA debut
Mike Phillips has been called up for Gilas in the World Cup qualifiers due to the unavailability of Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown for this window. Playing for the national team is nothing new for the former De La Salle standout, having seen action in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. But Phillips will be playing for Gilas for the first time after getting re-classified as a local by FIBA.
Troy Rosario and Justine Baltazar are also in line to make their debut in this Gilas iteration under head coach Tim Cone although the two used to be part of the national team before.
Vets play for Tall Blacks
Not leaving to chance in their quest to make it to the second round, head coach Judd Flavell decided to deploy their veterans for this window, calling up eight players from the last window including Sam Mennenga, Taylor Britt, Jordan Ngatai, and Tohi Milner-Smith, all of which with rich international experience. They also played during their 69-66 win over Gilas Pilipinas last February 26.
Boost for the second round
Gilas is already into the second round, but the Nationals definitely want to enter the next phase with a victory. On the horizon for Gilas are Group C teams Iran, Jordan, and Syria. With its next opponent against Australia, Gilas’ best chance to win in this window is against New Zealand.
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