Gilas Pilipinas had New Zealand on the ropes but ultimately fell short in a double-overtime thriller, 106-102, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Spark Arena in Auckland.
Game Recap
The Philippines gave the heavily favored host a run for their money. Guard Juan Gomez de Liaño hit a clutch three-pointer to push Gilas ahead 92-90 with 8.3 seconds left in the first overtime. However, a defensive lapse forced a foul on Shea Ili, who sank two free throws to tie the game at 92 and force a second overtime.
In the second extra period, Justin Brownlee ignited the offense with a triple, giving Gilas a 100-96 cushion. But New Zealand refused to fold, engineering a furious late-game counterattack to seal the win.
Gomez de Liaño also forced overtime by making a booming three with 11.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 83-all.
Key Performances
Gomez de Liaño finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Kevin Quiambao also scored 23 points, Dwight Ramos added 18 points, and Carl Tamayo chipped in 17 points for Gilas.
According to the game report, the Philippines will play Australia next on Monday, July 6, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth, seeking to avenge a loss to the Boomers in Manila last March.
