Gilas Pilipinas must bounce back to keep No. 1 spot hopes alive in Group D of Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas got off to a rough start after their 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This result leaves them with a 0-1 record ahead of their upcoming game against New Zealand, scheduled for Thursday at 11 p.m. Philippine time.

Judd Flavell, coach of the New Zealand Tall Blacks, expects a much tougher challenge against Gilas compared to their recent 100-78 victory over Iraq.

“We have the Philippines next, and since we faced each other in the qualifiers, we know each other very well,” Flavell remarked.

The two teams are currently tied with a 1-1 head-to-head record. Gilas secured a home win last November with a 92-88 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena, while New Zealand took their revenge with an 87-70 win this February in Auckland.

If Gilas Pilipinas defeats New Zealand, they will keep their hopes alive for the No. 1 spot in Group D, securing an automatic berth in the Asia Cup quarterfinals. However, their fate is no longer entirely in their hands, as it depends on the outcomes of Chinese Taipei’s remaining group-stage matches—first against Iraq earlier in the day, and later against New Zealand. Should Chinese Taipei sweep all their Group D games, they will clinch the top spot and the direct quarterfinal slot.

Chinese Taipei beat the Philippines and all the odds

Ying-Chun Chen helps TPE get the job done over Gilas #AsiaCup x @FIBAAsiaCup pic.twitter.com/lCjeJZqNCV

— FIBA Basketball (@FIBA) August 5, 2025

On the other hand, a loss for Gilas would eliminate their chances of finishing first in Group D. They would still have a path to the quarterfinals through the knockout qualification round.

If Gilas loses to New Zealand, they will face a must-win match against Iraq to advance to the qualification round.

Meanwhile, Tall Blacks head coach Pero Cameron acknowledged the challenge posed by Gilas Pilipinas, expecting a fiercely contested game.

“They will help prepare us for the next stage as well,” Cameron said.

Gilas head coach Tim Cone, meanwhile, stressed the importance of taking better care of the ball, especially after committing 16 turnovers in their loss to Chinese Taipei.

“We’re really hurt by the loss, but we’ll see what we can do. We have to find a way to bounce back and move forward. That’s all we can focus on right now,” Cone stated.

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