Back in action for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas look to score their first-ever victory against the Tall Blacks of New Zealand.
Gilas Pilipinas face a significant challenge in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Thursday as they take on New Zealand in a clash of Group B leaders.
Both teams enter the matchup with identical 2-0 records, but history isn’t on Gilas’ side, with the Tall Blacks holding a perfect 4-0 head-to-head record in FIBA play since 2016.
Justin Brownlee is expected to lead the charge for Gilas as the team’s top scorer in the Qualifiers.
He’ll be joined by PBA runnigmate Scottie Thompson, who makes his return to the national squad after missing the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament due to injury. Thompson, known for his playmaking and hustle, currently leads the team in assists.
Adding to the excitement is the return of Kai Sotto, cleared to play after a concussion scare in Japan’s B.LEAGUE.
Sotto is averaging a double-double in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, anchoring Gilas on both ends of the floor.
Gilas hopes to rewrite history and secure a statement win against the Tall Blacks, who have also impressed with victories over Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.
With home-court advantage, the Filipinos aim to keep their perfect Qualifiers record intact and take a step closer to Asia Cup qualification.
Tip off for the Gilas Pilipinas-New Zealand showdown is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]