New Zealand Defeats Gilas Pilipinas
World No. 26 New Zealand edged Gilas Pilipinas Women 78-71 at Shenzhen Sports Centre in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
After a solid second half, the Filipinas faltered in the closing minutes, falling behind New Zealand’s 17–5 run.
The Philippines finished sixth out of eight teams, and the defeat prevented them from reaching their best finish since 2015.
Vanessa de Jesus, Khate Castillo, Naomi Panganiban, Sumayah Sugapong, Jack Animam, and others played key roles in the team’s success.
Even so, the Filipinas’ performance against a higher-ranked New Zealand team was noteworthy. By halftime, the squad had reduced the deficit to only four points, 38–42.
New Zealand secured a six-point win with a 17–5 closing run led by Emilia Shearer and Esra McGoldrick’s efforts.
