Camille Naredo

Article (news)

CJ Perez

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

MANILA – CJ Perez lamented the heartbreaking 69-66 loss of Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand on Thursday, vowing to bounce back in their next assignment in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Perez was one of the bright spots for Gilas against New Zealand, scoring 15 points. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/26/fiba-gilas-falls-to-new-zealand-absorbs-1st-defeat-in-wc-asian-qualifiers-2124">READ: Gilas falls to New Zealand, absorbs 1st defeat in WC Asian Qualifiers</a></div>The San Miguel Beermen guard scored 10 points in the first half alone, before getting into foul trouble in the second half. Perez said he focused on his role defensively, given the physicality of the Tall Blacks.&quot;We&#x27;re grateful na lumaban kami, dalawang possession lang. For sure sa next game i-cocorrect namin mistakes namin lalo na sa last quarter,&quot; he told reporters after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena.&quot;I think actually wala ako sa scouting nila. Ang ano ko dun is dumepensa, yun yung role ko ngayong araw. Nagkaroon ng bonus na nakaka-score ako. Yung team effort, ang dun, yung depensa talaga namin.... I think worth it naman, pero nakulangan lang ng konti. We&#x27;re happy na na-execute namin yung depensa namin,&quot; Perez added.The four-time PBA champion assured Gilas will learn from their mistakes, saying he will be ready for whatever role he will have against Australia.&quot;Hindi naman pwede ma-ano sa muntik eh. Kailangan namin mag-move on for next game. Kailangan namin mag-focus, mag-move forward para sa Australia. Nakakalungkot na di kami nanalo pero may chance bumawi,&quot; Perez said.&quot;Anytime naman, kahit saan naman ako ilagay, I&#x27;m ready to play. And gagawin ko lagi yung best call para sa bayan,&quot; he added.Gilas will face the Boomers in a crucial game on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

CJ Perez lamented the heartbreaking 69-66 loss of Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand on Thursday, vowing to bounce back in their next assignment in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

CJ Perez lamented the heartbreaking 69-66 loss of Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand on Thursday, vowing to bounce back in their next assignment in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

FIBA: Gilas' Perez eyes bounce back against Australia after tough loss to New Zealand

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

FIBA: Gilas' Perez eyes bounce back against Australia after tough loss to New Zealand

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 28, 2026 12:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

Men's Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas

CJ Perez

New Zealand

Australia

abssports

FIBA

FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

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.

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.