Remember when Gilas Pilipinas finally broke the South Korean curse at the MOA Arena in 2013? It was something that many Filipino basketball fans will remember for years, a piece of history for the Philippines. Eleven years later, and with the same arena and the same electrifying audience behind them, Gilas was yet again on the verge of getting rid of another curse. This time, their opponent was a powerhouse Asian team, New Zealand, and the stakes were significantly heightened. Against all odds, Gilas Pilipinas not only delivered a thrilling victory but also managed to break the Tall Blacks’ dominance in FIBA competitions, achieving what is described as sweet revenge that will go down through Philippine basketball history.
Both teams entered the game with identical 2-0 records; the teams were set for a massive about. Unfortunately, the Filipinos were disadvantaged as New Zealand had an unbeaten head-to-head 4-0 record since 2016. Throughout the years, the Tall Blacks overcame almost every other team in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Gilas, in crucial matches. But on this occasion, the Gilas team wanted to change things, knowing that winning this match would not only be a confidence booster but also help them qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup.
So, how did the Gilas achieve such a remarkable win against New Zealand? Let’s analyze the match.
How the Win was Achieved:
The Gilas players utilized their aggression on both ends of the court with a total of 63 points versus the combined scores of Corey Webster, Sam Waardenburg, and Thomas Vodanovic.
The exceptional all-around performance of Kai Sotto
Kai Sotto was of utmost importance to the Gilas, especially when guarding the paint and correcting the defensive problems caused by June Mar Fajardo’s moving screens, provided by the New Zealand pick-and-roll play. And Sotto did not fail. He rounded up his performance with 19 points, ten rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and two steals—almost a triple-double.
Brownlee Take Over
New Zealand was troubled by naturalized Justin Brownlee, who led the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. While New Zealand is inching closer to getting back in the game against the Gilas in the 4th quarter, Brownlee took over and was fearless, especially when needed. With 11.1 seconds left in the game, Brownlee hit two perfect free throws under the pressure and sealed the game 93-89.
Scottie Thompson’s Energy and Effort
Thompson, who missed the FIBA Olympics Qualifying Tournament, returns to show that he can still hustle and give energy to the team; he scores 12 points, pulls down four rebounds, and feeds the ball for six assists. His inputs were so refreshing and most especially important during the second quarter. During this period, his character is best seen when the attack of New Zealanders appears dangerous. Thompson’s playmaking allows Gilas to retain their composure.
Ramos and Newsome Reliable Performance
In the first half, Dwight Ramos strolled with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists, which helped close the game. He also contributed to the Gilas 3rd Quarter Run. In the second half of the game, Chris Newsome’s defense enabled the Gilas to control the game. He added 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Even in the endgame, Newsome did something important: he made a big left-wing three to increase their lead to 91-84 with 1:09 seconds left and then made a pivotal play to stop Sam Waardenburg.
The atmosphere in the MOA Arena was electric, as fans once again brought their unwavering energy and support, creating an environment where Gilas felt right at home. With the pressure on, the team looked purposeful and with heart, battling all odds against the Tall Blacks. By the end of the game, Gilas ended the curse. They set themselves up for a higher possibility of qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup.
Box score:
Gilas Pilipinas 93: Brownlee 26, Sotto 19, Thompson 12, Newsome 11, Ramos 11, Fajardo 6, Perez 3, Oftana 3, Tamayo 2, and Aguilar 0.
New Zealand 89: Webster 25, Vodanovich 19, Waardenburg 19, Britt 8, Le’afa 6, Brown 5, Harris 3, Cameron 2, Harrison 2.
In their thrilling victory over New Zealand late Thursday night, Gilas Pilipinas broke the string of disappointing defeats to the powerhouse team and substantially progressed in developing its younger players, which is a brilliant idea. The win underscored the team’s evolution and its resolve to perform better and build on such abilities to invest for the upcoming period. This victory brings up an important landmark for the Philippine national basketball program.
With two more games left to play in the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas has guaranteed itself a place at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. This qualification was made possible after New Zealand beat Chinese Taipei 81-64 on Monday, November 25th.
For the Gilas squad, this is their time to take the opportunity to prepare for future contests, starting with the Asia Cup. There are also opportunities for the team to polish their strategies while nurturing the younger players who have been impressive during the qualifiers. The Philippines could see this as a hope as the Gilas team progresses in laying down the framework for their basketball programs and, more so, seeks out more outstanding achievements on the international stage.
