Gilas Pilipinas suffered a heartbreaking double-overtime defeat to New Zealand, falling 106-102, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Friday afternoon (Manila time) at Spark Arena in Auckland.
Despite the tough loss, the Philippines had already secured its place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers alongside Australia and New Zealand, with Guam officially eliminated from contention in Pool A.
The defeat marked Gilas’ fourth straight loss to the Tall Blacks since its historic 93-89 breakthrough victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 21, 2024 — the Philippines’ lone win over New Zealand in FIBA competition.
Gilas now shifts its focus to a showdown against Australia at RAC Arena in Perth, while New Zealand remains at Spark Arena to host Guam in the final game of the first-round qualifiers.
