Philippines vs. New Zealand: Full Game Highlights & Key Takeaways | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Philippines vs. New Zealand: Full Game Highlights & Key Takeaways | FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers

In a highly anticipated rematch during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, the New Zealand Tall Blacks delivered a decisive 87-70 victory over the Philippines' Gilas Pilipinas on February 23, 2025, at Auckland's Spark Arena. This win allowed New Zealand to avenge their previous 93-89 loss to the Philippines in November 2024.

Game Overview

New Zealand established dominance early, leading 30-15 by the end of the first quarter. Their consistent performance throughout the game prevented the Philippines from mounting a significant comeback. The Tall Blacks showcased superior shooting, with a field goal percentage of 43.5%, compared to Gilas Pilipinas' 37.5%. Notably, New Zealand excelled in three-point shooting, achieving 39.4% accuracy against the Philippines' 20.7%.

Implications and Next Steps

This result concludes the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers for both teams. New Zealand finishes with a 5-1 record, while the Philippines stands at 4-2. The Tall Blacks' victory not only evens the recent score between the two teams but also reinforces their position as a formidable force in the region. Gilas Pilipinas, despite the setback, demonstrated resilience and will look to build upon their performance in future international competitions.