Gilas Pilipinas suffered a devastating loss at the hands of New Zealand in their highly anticipated rematch in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers, and the team's lackluster defense was the primary culprit behind the debacle.
The Kiwis came out swinging, firing on all cylinders from the opening tip and leaving the Filipinos in the dust. The New Zealand side's relentless offense caught Gilas off guard, and they were unable to recover from the early onslaught.
The first quarter was a disastrous one for Gilas, as they struggled to contain the Kiwis' high-powered offense. The home team buried them early, racing out to a commanding 30-15 lead that would prove to be insurmountable. Despite their best efforts, Gilas was unable to close the gap, and the Kiwis continued to pull away as the game wore on.
Chris Newsome, a key player for Gilas, was quick to point out the team's defensive shortcomings, emphasizing the need for improvement on that end of the floor. Newsome's words were echoed by the team's coaching staff, who acknowledged that the team's lack of defense was the primary factor behind their loss.
Gilas Pilipinas' inability to lock down the Kiwis' offense was a recurring theme throughout the game. The team's defensive struggles were evident from the opening tip, and they were unable to make the necessary adjustments to stem the tide. As a result, the Kiwis were able to dictate the pace of the game, and Gilas was forced to play catch-up.
Despite the disappointing loss, Gilas Pilipinas remains optimistic about their chances in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. The team is well aware of the areas that need improvement, and they are committed to working tirelessly to address their defensive shortcomings. With a renewed focus on defense, Gilas is confident that they can turn their fortunes around and make a deep run in the tournament.
The loss to New Zealand serves as a wake-up call for Gilas Pilipinas, highlighting the need for improvement on the defensive end. As the team looks to regroup and refocus, they will be drawing on the lessons learned from their disappointing defeat. With a newfound sense of determination and purpose, Gilas is poised to bounce back stronger than ever, and their fans can expect a more resilient and defensive-minded team in their upcoming games.