Gilas Pilipinas just couldn’t make enough shots on Thursday night as it dropped a close 69-66 decision to New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The boys in blue, though, put up a valiant effort, outscoring the Tall Blacks in the second and fourth quarters and nearly sending the game into extra time. New Zealand actually got off to a good start, taking a 25-22 lead after one and extending it to 37-27 with less than four minutes left before intermission. But Gilas uncorked a 10-0 run to end the half knotted at 37.
Unfortunately, Gilas faltered in the third quarter, mustering only 9 points while surrendering 20 as New Zealand took a 57-46 lead into the final frame. But the national team gradually ate away at that double-digit lead and got to within 66-64 on a Dwight Ramos three off a loose ball. Gilas, though, gave up an offensive rebound and a basket on the ensuing possession to give the Tall Blacks breathing room.
Gilas Pilipnas had one final shot at sending the game to overtime after Reuben Te Rangi missed the second of his two free throws, but Ramos’ desperation heave from just inside half court was off.
Ramos led the way for Gilas Pilipinas with 16 points and 8 boards, while Cjay Perez poured in 15 to go along with his 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Justin Brownlee, however, struggled, scoring just 4 points on a paltry 2-for-10 from the field. Matt Darling paced the Tall Blacks with 11, followed by 10 apiece from Alex McNaught and Sam Mennenga.
Gilas Pilipinas Young Guns Show Promise
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Gilas Pilipinas and its fans can take solace in the strong showings of the team’s younger players, notably the big-man duo of AJ Edu and Quentin Millora-Brown, Gilas returnee Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Ramos.
Edu scored only 5 points but had 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks while bringing energy and intensity on defense. Millora-Brown, meanwhile, put up 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals and formed a dynamic big-man combo with Edu in the fourth to help Gilas claw back into the game. Gomez de Liaño, on the other hand, fired 10 points and looked comfortable as a playmaker.
Finally, there was Ramos, who top-scored for Gilas with 16 points on top of 8 rebounds and 2 steals. He also scored the team’s final five points to give it a shot at sending the game to extra time.
Gilas Pilipinas will be back to the drawing board to prepare for Australia next. That game against the Boomers will take place on Sunday, March 1, also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
