IT’S Gilas Pilipinas season again as Window 2 begins with a familiar foe across the court. It also plays at home with an eye of staying undefeated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Here is a preview and some keys to victory for Gilas.
PHILIPPINES VS. NEW ZEALAND
When: Thursday, February 26. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mall of Asia Arena
Gilas out to stay unbeaten
Gilas will look to continue its winning ways in the World Cup qualifiers when it goes up against New Zealand on Thursday night. Gilas swept its Window 1 campaign against Guam in its home-and-home series, but the coming salvo will be a lot difficult with Australia also on the schedule on Sunday.
What is at stake?
According to FIBA, Gilas can already seal a place in the second round with a win on Thursday. Nevertheless, every game counts in the qualifiers as the win-loss records in the first round will be carried over to the next. Eight places in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup are at stake.
Winless New Zealand out to claim a win
The Tall Blacks found themselves winless entering the Philippines game after being swept by Australia during the last window. Although New Zealand is expected to make it to the next round, a win over the Philippines will be a big boost to their World Cup bid since every game matters in the qualification stage.
Familiar foe
Gilas will meet the Tall Blacks for the fourth time over the last 15 months on Thursday, with the Philippines beating New Zealand, 93-89, at the Mall of Asia Arena last November 21. But the Tall Blacks have won the last two games against Gilas including a 94-86 win last August 7 in the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Juan GDL back with Gilas
After becoming part of the pool starting at Window 1, Juan Gomez de Liano is in line to make his Gilas comeback on Thursday after making it to the Final 12. JGDL last played for Gilas Pilipinas under the Tab Baldwin era back in 2021. Gomez de Liano brings athleticism and size to the guard position that is capable of matching up with his New Zealand counterparts.
Outside shooting
Three-point shooting will once again be a key factor to this game. New Zealand torched Gilas in their FIBA Asia Cup campaign with 13 threes, with Jordan Ngatai a dead shot hitting a 5-of-5 clip. Ngatai is back for this game, and a repeat performance won’t do any good for Gilas.
Gilas’ outside shooting has been suspect during Window 1, totalling 10 over the past two games against Guam. If they can’t hit their shots, Gilas must contain New Zealand’s attempts from the outside.
Rebounding battle
Gilas hauled the boards at a torrid pace against Guam when it had 61 in the first game last November 28, with June Mar Fajardo and Quentin Millora-Brown grabbing 10 apiece. Even with Kai Sotto out for this window, dominating the boards must continue against New Zealand, which will have the likes of Sam Mennega and Yanni Wetzell, who are averaging eight rebounds during the World Cup qualifiers.
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