SPORTS - Gilas vs New Zealand

Brownlee, Sotto, Fajardo Shine in Gritty Victory Over New Zealand

By Ulysses Ybiernas | November 24, 2024

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone praised his team for their resilience and composure in securing a hard-fought victory against New Zealand's Tall Blacks during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at the MOA Arena.

The game was a thrilling contest marked by physicality and high stakes, but a decisive 16-0 run in the second half allowed Gilas to edge out the visitors, 93-89, to the delight of a roaring home crowd.

"It was a tough one," Cone admitted during the postgame press conference, visibly relieved. "They’re a very good team—really, really good."

Battling Physicality and Pressure

Gilas found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 8-0 at the start. However, the team managed to claw their way back, tying the game at 45-all by halftime. Even after their game-changing run in the third quarter, New Zealand refused to back down, staying within striking distance until the final buzzer.

Cone emphasized the physical nature of the game, particularly against key players Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto, and June Mar Fajardo.

"They were incredibly physical," Cone noted. "Credit to Kai and June Mar for battling through their bigs. They were relentless with Justin too, rotating two, sometimes three guys on him, just banging him all game long."

Stellar Performances from Gilas Stars

Despite the relentless defense, Brownlee delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. Sotto was equally impressive, showcasing his versatility with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. His performance stood out among the Gilas big men as he efficiently countered the Tall Blacks' physicality.

Overcoming New Zealand’s Hot Shooting

The Tall Blacks were lethal from beyond the arc, shooting an astounding 51.4% on 18 of 35 three-point attempts. Cone lauded his team for staying composed despite New Zealand’s hot hand. "That’s incredible shooting. You’ve got to tip your cap to them," Cone said. "But despite that, we found a way to win. That speaks volumes about the team’s grit and determination."

A Victory for the Fans

Cone acknowledged the weight of expectations from Filipino fans, especially with the game held at the iconic Mall of Asia Arena.

"I can’t tell you how many good luck wishes I got today. There was so much attention on this game, and the pressure on our guys to deliver was immense," Cone shared. "But they rose to the occasion, and I’m incredibly proud of them."

The win not only bolstered Gilas’ campaign in the qualifiers but also showcased the team’s ability to overcome adversity, leaving fans excited for what’s to come.