John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, February 26, 2026. Photo from FIBA

Article (news)

Gilas Pilipinas

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772110702913verazq0nr8hpwj7xipky.webp" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, February 26, 2026.<em> Photo from FIBA</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATED) </strong>— Gilas Pilipinas absorbed its first defeat in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.</p><p>The Nationals, who were coming from a 2-0 sweep of Guam in the first window, were turned back by New Zealand, 69-66, Thursday at the Mall fo Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><p>&quot;I feel bad. I wish I was better today,&quot; said guard Dwight Ramos, reflecting on the outcome.</p><p>Ramos led a spirited comeback attempt late in the fourth frame, firing a personal five-point output under the final minute. He anchored Gilas within two, twice — first, at the 66-64 mark, nailing a heart stopping triple; second, a second-chance layup that resuscitated the Nationals after Calvin Oftana missed his trey attempt, 68-66.</p><p>After New Zealand&#x27;s Reuben Te Rangi split his shots from the charity stripe, the Levanga Hokkaido baller had a chance to send the game to overtime at 69-66, seven seconds left. However, his shot from the logo missed, hitting the board and the ring, with the buzzer ringing that signaled Gilas&#x27; narrow three-point loss.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/26/tall-order-vs-tall-blacks-what-s-at-stake-for-gilas-against-new-zealand-0600"><strong>READ: FIBA: Tall order vs. Tall Blacks — What’s at stake for Gilas in upcoming game against New Zealand?</strong></a></div><p>&quot;I was trying to bank it in and it just didn&#x27;t fall,&quot; said Ramos, who finished with a game-high 16 points and eight rebounds, but shot inefficiently from the field, to which he acknowledged.</p><p>He had a 6-of-21 field goal clip, and only made one trey on 10 tries.</p><p>&quot;It&#x27;s kind of tough because I missed a lot of shots. Obviously, I missed the last shot,&quot; said Ramos. &quot;Right now, all I can think about is my mistakes. I feel bad but I gotta move on to the next game.&quot;</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/26/dwight-ramos-rues-missed-shots-vs-new-zealand-i-wish-i-was-better-today-2331"><strong>READ: Dwight Ramos rues missed shots, including potential game-tying trey: &#x27;I wish I was better today&#x27;</strong><br/></a></div><p>CJ Perez added 15 points — 10 of those were Gilas&#x27; first markers in the opener, sparking a 14-7 start. However, the Tall Blacks proved steadier as the first quarter went on, carving out a 25-21 lead.</p><p>The Nationals ended the first half with a 10-0 run to tie at 37-apiece, but a lackluster 20-9 third period from the hometown heroes put the New Zealand side on the gas pedal en route to the win.</p><p>Juan Gomez de Liano impressed in his first game back in a Gilas jersey, tallying 10 points and two assists, while AJ Edu led in the rebounding department with 11 boards, to go with five points.</p><p>Coach Tim Cone and company now aim to bounce back against Australia on Sunday at the same venue.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nZHqJwgBatA??si=SLvlwuR0sG1kPNFA&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

FIBA: Gilas falls to New Zealand, absorbs 1st defeat in WC Asian Qualifiers

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

FIBA: Gilas falls to New Zealand, absorbs 1st defeat in WC Asian Qualifiers

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 26, 2026 09:24 PM PHT

|

Updated February 27, 2026 12:22 AM PHT

Read More:

abssports

basketball

FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas

New Zealand

Australia

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.