By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone predicted a big bounce back game for his team against New Zealand.
And they did, except that it wasn’t enough.
The Nationals delivered a stronger performance compared to their first game but ran out of steam in the closing moments, absorbing a stinging 94-86 defeat to New Zealand in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, early Friday, Aug. 8 (Manila time).
After falling behind by as many as 18 points in the first half, Gilas mounted a spirited comeback and threatened in the final five minutes, before the Tall Blacks sealed the win with a decisive 9-2 run down the stretch.
Taylor Britt was the picture of composure for New Zealand, delivering timely baskets to hold off a surging Gilas side that came within 85-82 after a booming triple from Justin Brownlee with 3:52 left.
The 6-foot-2 guard scored on back-to-back layups — the last one over the outstretched arms of AJ Edu — to give New Zealand some much-needed breathing room, 89-82.
Britt’s clutch performance, finishing with 19 points and seven assists, spoiled a massive 37-point explosion from Brownlee, as Gilas remained winless through two games.
Gilas’ naturalized player waxed hot from deep, drilling seven triples to go with his five rebounds, three assists and a steal.
However, his heroics weren’t enough, as Gilas — much like in its opening-day loss — started out cold and allowed New Zealand to build a 23-14 lead late in the first quarter.
Their defense also faltered, struggling to contain a red-hot Tall Blacks squad led by Jordan Ngatai, who scattered 19 of his 22 points in the first half.
New Zealand took a 55-41 lead at the break.
Dwight Ramos tried to provide support with 19 points, four rebounds and three steals while June Mar Fajardo also bounced back from a subpar showing last timeout with 11 points and four rebounds.
Flynn Cameron had 12 points and Mojave King with 11 points for New Zealand.
With the loss, Gilas is now in a do-or-die game against another winless team Iraq on Saturday, Aug. 9.
