Government Gathers Strong Team for Philippines' National Basketball Squad
The Tall Blacks Outlast Gilas Pilipinas in a Thrilling FIBA Asia Cup Match
The Philippines' national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, faced a heartbreaking defeat against the New Zealand Tall Blacks in their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 group stage match on August 7, 2025. Despite a valiant comeback, Gilas fell short, losing 94-86.
New Zealand led for most of the game, building an 18-point lead late in the second quarter. Gilas, led by Justin Brownlee's 37 points, mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 85-82 with under four minutes remaining. However, Taylor Britt of the Tall Blacks scored back-to-back baskets to secure the win for New Zealand.
Brownlee was well-supported by Dwight Ramos (19 points) and June Mar Fajardo (11 points). On the other hand, Jordan Ngatai of the Tall Blacks scored 22 points, all from beyond the arc, while Britt added 19 points. The Tall Blacks shot an impressive 50% from three, exploiting Gilas' defensive lapses, especially with poor rotations and screens.
Gilas aimed to rely more on physicality and a bigger lineup with Fajardo and AJ Edu, showing a more aggressive mindset compared to their previous game. However, defensive breakdowns and slow perimeter coverage hurt them, allowing the Tall Blacks to capitalise.
The loss leaves Gilas Pilipinas at 0-2 in Group D, facing a must-win situation against Iraq to stay alive for a quarterfinal playoff spot. On the other hand, the Tall Blacks remain undefeated, having won against both their opponents, including Chinese Taipei to secure the No. 1 spot in their group.
As the competition continues, Gilas Pilipinas will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to slow down their opponents to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The next game against Iraq will be a crucial test for the team.
[1] FIBA Asia Cup 2025: New Zealand Tall Blacks defeat Gilas Pilipinas
[2] Gilas Pilipinas struggles in first halves of games
[3] Analysis: Gilas Pilipinas' defensive woes cost them against New Zealand
[4] Gilas Pilipinas faces must-win game against Iraq in FIBA Asia Cup 2025
[1] The defeat suffered by Gilas Pilipinas against the New Zealand Tall Blacks was indeed a close NBA-style basketball game, with both teams showcasing impressive offense.
[2] Gilas Pilipinas' struggle to maintain a strong defense in the first half of games continues to haunt them, as seen in their FIBA Asia Cup match against the Tall Blacks.
