The Philippine Men’s National Basketball Team has officially clinched a ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after New Zealand defeated Chinese Taipei, 81-64, on Monday in its home game in Christchurch.
After the Taiwan loss, Gilas Pilipinas was assured of a place in the Top Two in Group B, the requirement to reach the tournament proper to be hosted by Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August.
Gilas stayed unbeaten at 4-0 after beating Hong Kong, 93-54, last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, but FIBA stated it still needed a New Zealand win over Chinese Taipei to make its place in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 official.
The Tall Blacks have also qualified after the win over Chinese Taipei hiked their record to 3-1.
In next year’s tournament, Gilas will be looking to improve on its ninth-place finish in Jakarta in 2022.
The group stage had the Philippines finishing with a 1-2 win-loss record, its only victory coming at the expense of India, before falling to Japan in the qualifying match for a quarterfinal berth.
A lot has changed for the Philippines in the Asian level since that disappointing performance in 2022. Under head coach Tim Cone, Gilas ruled last year’s Asian Games where it defeated host China in the semifinals before capturing the gold medal against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led-Jordan.
But standing in the way for another Asian crown for the Philippines next year is defending Asia Cup champion Australia, among the early qualifiers for the tournament, and fellow Oceania team New Zealand, which was the bronze medalist in the previous edition.
Japan has also earned a trip to the FIBA Asia Cup after victories over Jericho Cruz-led Guam and Mongolia during Window 2 of the qualifiers.
Saudi Arabia is also assured of a spot as the host country.
