Gilas Pilipinas have officially secured a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, thanks to an assist by ironically the same team it dealt a massive upset to last week.
The Filipino dribblers are bound for Saudi Arabia next year after New Zealand took care of business against Chinese Taipei, 81-64, in the final day of the Qualifiers’ second window on Monday at the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch.
With this, the two have become the latest to book their tickets to the continental conclave, joining the hosts, Japan, and defending two-time champions Australia.
Sam Waardenberg led New Zealand with 16 points and 13 rebounds, together with six assists, a steal, and a block each to help his side bounce back after absorbing a 93-89 defeat to the Philippines last Thursday.
Shea Ili produced 12 points and eight assists, while former Converge import Tom Vodanovich chipped in 11 points, dice rebounds, and two steals.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Ili and Vodanovich joined hands for the decisive 7-0 run to open the fourth quarter, which gave themselves a 59-47 lead 42 seconds into the period.
Waardenberg would take it from there as his activity away from the ball and solid shooting from deep enabled the crew to break the game wide open, leading a 9-2 spurt for a 68-52 advantage with 5:05 to put it away,
Hylum Harris was as crucial in their fourth-quarter assault as well and finished with nearly a double-double with nine points and 13 rebounds.
The four coming through with solid showings was indeed a welcome sight for Coach Judd Flavell after Corey Webster got held to just nine points — that, after unloading 25 points behind a hot shooting display against Gilas.
New Zealand improved to 3-1 to finish this window at no. 2 in Group B behind the Philippines after dragging Chinese Taipei down to 1-3.
