Gilas drawn with New Zealand, Taipei in Fiba Asia group stage

April 13 ------ GILAS Pilipinas is slated for another clash with New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 group stage. The Philippines, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei were bracketed together in Group D at the draw ceremony held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the host of the competition. 

Ironically, the three teams battled in the last window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, with the Gilas side of Tim Cone losing both matches. Gilas and the Tall Blacks split their matches in the group stage. The Philippines won, 92-88, during the November window at the Mall of Asia Arena, but the Tall Blacks got back with an 87-70 victory in the February window in Auckland. Iraq is the fourth team in Group D. 

The Philippines also split their assignments against Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers, winning the first outing, 106-53, at the Philsports Arena in February but absorbed a 91-84 decision on the road during their February 2025 clash. Two-time champion Australia is in Group A along with Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar in what could be considered as the ‘Group of Death’ in the tournament. 

Japan, the Asian representative in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is in Group B along with Jericho Cruz-led Guam, Syria, and Iran. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan will be battling China, India, and host Saudi Arabia in Group C. The top teams in each group will gain outright entry to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-placers will look to advance through a ‘play-in’ game. 

Source: spin.ph