MANILA, Philippines – GILAS Pilipinas extended its undefeated record in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifications Thursday night by finally breaking through against New Zealand, 93-89.

In front of a sizable audience at the Mall of Asia Arena, Justine Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, and big man Kai Sotto turned the tide of the game with a stunning 16-0 run in the third period.

In the victory that ended the Philippines’ eight-year, four-game losing streak against the Tall Blacks, Brownlee, 36, finished with a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, Sotto, 7-foot-3, had a nearly triple double of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, and Thompson finished with 12 and six rebounds.

Tim Cone, the coach of the national team, recognized the difficult task the Tall Blacks presented in their most recent match, emphasizing the physicality of their opponents as the main obstacle the Gilas must surmount. Cone showed his admiration for the New Zealand squad, pointing out that their resilience and strength were crucial components of the match. He underlined that in order to win, the team will have to overcome these physical obstacles. Although the Tall Blacks were fierce opponents because of their strong style of play, Cone was still optimistic that Gilas could win if they had the correct attitude and strategy.

The Philippines’ national team is currently 3-0 overall in Group B, which puts them at the top of the group after this victory. This accomplishment, which demonstrates their tenacity and capacity to function well under duress, is a major advancement in their quest. However, the Tall Blacks’ current record of 2-1 reflects the fierce opposition they have encountered thus far in the tournament.

In addition to improving Gilas’ standing in the group, their strong performance has given them more self-assurance going into the competition’s next stage. The squad is working to keep up their momentum while simultaneously addressing areas that require development, especially when it comes to managing physical matches like the one against New Zealand. The national team is committed to maintaining its impressive run and staying on track for more tournament success under coach Cone’s direction.

With another victory over winless Hong Kong on Sunday, also at the same Pasay location, they may formally secure a spot in the Asia Cup proper.

The Tall Blacks had everything under control and were leading 60-56 until the home team’s game-changing run.

Tim Cone called the triumph “special” for a number of reasons and expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome the obstacles presented by their formidable opponents. He emphasized that the victory was especially significant because it happened on their home court, when the home crowd was rooting for them. The strain was increased by the game’s increased focus, but the team found a way to win in spite of the high expectations. Cone acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said the players performed well under duress. He conveyed his admiration for their tenacity, highlighting how the group’s capacity to function in such a stressful setting was evidence of their development and willpower.

However, even when Gilas built a 72-60 lead during the height of its scoring run, the visitor squad, who had a 13-4 lead early in the first quarter, had plenty of fight left.

With 20 seconds remaining, former Converge import Tom Vodanovich made a three-pointer to keep the Tall Blacks within 91-89, but Brownlee’s two insurance free throws sealed the victory.

However, even when Gilas built a 72-60 lead during the height of its scoring run, the visitor squad, who had a 13-4 lead early in the first quarter, had plenty of fight left.

With 20 seconds remaining, former Converge import Tom Vodanovich made a three-pointer to keep the Tall Blacks within 91-89, but Brownlee’s two insurance free throws sealed the victory.

Corey Webster, a former NBA player, had just two points in the last quarter while leading New Zealand with 25 points overall. He finished with five assists and a 5-of-6 three-point shooting percentage.

Vodanovich and Sam Waardenburg both contributed 19 (5-of-7) long-range goals.

Scores at the end of the match

Gilas Pilipinas – 93

Brownlee 26, Sotto 19, Thompson 12, Newsome 11, Ramos 11, Fajardo 6, Perez 3, Oftana 3, Tamayo 2, Aguilar 0

New Zealand – 89

Webster 25, Vodanovich 19, Waardenburg 19, Britt 8, Le’afa 6, Brown 5, Harris 3, Cameron 2, Harrison 2

Scores per quarter

20-22; 45-45; 72-63; 93-89