Pumped-up Gilas faces tall order

New Zealand stands in way

MANILA, Philippines — After barely scratching the surface in a feisty win over India last Friday, Gilas Pilipinas faces a real test against New Zealand today in Group A of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Challenged by the Indians early in their debut, the Nationals will shoot for a far better outing that is needed to withstand the Tall Blacks in the crucial meeting at 7 p.m.

Gilas and New Zealand currently share the top spot in Group A with similar 1-0 cards based on the FIBA website pending the official announcement on the fate of South Korea, which withdrew from this window due to COVID-19 infections in its camp.

The Philippines and New Zealand smothered India (88-64 and 101-46), respectively, paving the way for a gigantic duel with the winner keeping a clean slate heading into the next window in June.

“New Zealand is very tough. They’re physical, they get in your grill and they pressure. We have to be ready for that,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes of the Tall Blacks, ranked 27th in the world.

Unlike the No. 33 Philippines that had to shake off the butterflies against No. 80 India, New Zealand took the fight out of the latter from the get go with a sizzling 32-8 start en route to 55-point win.

Gilas, which did not take a day off yesterday, is bracing for that similar onslaught from the Tall Blacks in tonight’s anticipated showdown.

“I think we have to relish the opportunity to be tested with really good competition. That’s our mindset,” added Reyes, expecting the scoring quartet of Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Roger Pogoy and Robert Bolick to take the lead anew.

New Zealand, for its part, anticipates an equally tough match especially in front of a pro-Filipino crowd.

“There’s no doubt that there will be a big crowd behind them. You sort of thrive off that. We’re excited and looking forward to that clash as well,” said New Zealand deputy coach Daryl Cartwright.