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Home Forums PBA Betting Prediction How Gilas Pilipinas breaks the curse
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TheZonePH
29-Nov-2024 12:02
Gilas vs New Zealand: How Gilas Pilipinas breaks the curse against New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
 
Remember when Gilas Pilipinas finally broke the South Korean curse at the MOA Arena back in 2013? It was something that many Filipino basketball fans will remember for years to come, a piece of history for the Philippines. Eleven years later, and with the same arena, 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 bout. Unfortunately, the Filipinos had a disadvantage 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 make such a remarkable win against New Zealand? Let us analyze the Gilas vs New Zealand match!
 
How the Win was Achieved:
 
With a total of 63 points combined scored by Corey Webster, Sam Waardenburg, and Thomas Vodanovic, the Gilas players counter this by managing to utilize their aggression on both ends of the court.
 
The exceptional all-around performance of Kai Sotto 
-Kai Sotto was of utmost importance to the Gilas, especially when it came to guarding the paint and correcting the defensive problems caused by June Mar Fajardo’s moving screens, which were provided by the New Zealand pick and roll play. And Sotto did not fail. He rounded up his performance with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 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, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. While New Zealand are inching closer to getting back in the game against the Gilas in the 4th quarter, Brownlee took over and was fearless, especially when it was needed the most. With 11.1 seconds left in the game, Brownlee managed to 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 6 assists. His inputs were so refreshing and most especially important during the second quarter. It is during this period when his character was best seen; as the attack of New Zealanders appeared dangerous, Thompson’s playmaking allowed Gilas to retain their composure.
 
Ramos and Newsome Reliable Performance
-In the first half, Dwight Ramos strolled with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, which in turn helped in closing 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, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Even in the endgame, Newsome was able to do something important as he made a big left wing three to increase their lead to 91-84 with 1:09 seconds left and then made a key 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, not only did Gilas end the curse, they also set themselves up for a higher possibility of qualifying for the FIBA Asia Cup.
 
Gilad vs New Zealand 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 on Thursday night, Gilas Pilipinas not only broke the string of disappointing defeats to the powerhouse team but also substantially progressed in the process of developing its younger players, which is a brilliant idea. The Gilas vs New Zealand game shows how underscored the evolution of the Philippine team 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 managed to beat Chinese Taipei 81-64 on the 25th Monday of November.
 
For the Gilas squad, this is their time to take the opportunity to prepare for the future contests, starting with the Asia Cup. There are also opportunities for the team to polish their strategies while nurturing the younger players that 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 greater achievements in the international stage.
PBA
Gilas Pilipinas
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LAKAS NG PINAS‼️
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Congrats po
Lakas
Gilas na yan hehe pupusta naman tayu
LAKAS NANAN
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Congratulations
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Lakas talaga ng Gilas!
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