Romwel Anzures

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Photo from FIBA Basketball.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772376060088IMG_0182.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Photo from FIBA Basketball. </div>MANILA — For 20 minutes, Gilas Pilipinas looked poised to take Australia to the limit.Things turned ugly for the home team in the second half, however, as the Boomers rediscovered their form and reminded everyone why they are the world’s sixth-ranked team.The Nationals eventually absorbed a 66-93 loss to the visitors in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday night, spoiling what had been a promising first half that head coach Tim Cone had high hopes for.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/3/1/fiba-gilas-still-can-t-crack-australia-code-ends-home-stand-winless-2108">READ: Gilas still can’t crack Australia code, ends home stand winless</a></div>“For a game and a half, I couldn&#x27;t have been more proud of our defense,” said Cone as he reflected on their pair of Window 2 matches, which also included a 66-69 loss to New Zealand on Thursday.“We came out and played with a tremendous amount of energy in that first half. But it just kind of wore us down there in the second,” added the Barangay Ginebra mentor.That shift allowed Elijah Pepper to erupt for 16 of his 28 points in the second half — nine of which came from beyond the arc — as Australia stretched its lead to as much as 29.“It was a very painful one. It was a painful second half. Painful to be a part of, painful to watch, especially in front of our home crowd,” Cone said, as his team allowed the Aussies to shoot 10-of-22 from three in the second half after limiting them to just 5-of-20 in the first.“When they started to stretch the lead a little bit, got some open threes, a couple turnovers on our part, I think we just kind of deflated and lost our energy. We had Pepper in our sights, but we could not stop him. We felt we had a good shot, but suddenly, they were off to the races,” he added.Instead of dwelling on the loss, however, Cone said the team would focus on the progress it made in this window, especially with the next one set to be played on the opponents’ home floor.“It is so honorable to be with this team. Just having that opportunity is fantastic. So when we come back together in July, it&#x27;s always going to be a special thing,” he said.“I think we&#x27;re going to come back with renewed fire. It&#x27;s back to the drawing board for me a little bit. Like I said, I think we&#x27;re going to have to look at our offense and maybe try to simplify things a little more,” Cone added.

For 20 minutes, #GilasPilipinas looked poised to take Australia to the limit, but things turned ugly in the second half as the Boomers reminded everyone why they are the world’s sixth-ranked team and rediscovered their form.

For 20 minutes, #GilasPilipinas looked poised to take Australia to the limit, but things turned ugly in the second half as the Boomers reminded everyone why they are the world’s sixth-ranked team and rediscovered their form.

FIBA: Cone rues Gilas’ ‘painful’ loss to Australia — ‘We got deflated’

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

FIBA: Cone rues Gilas’ ‘painful’ loss to Australia — ‘We got deflated’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 01, 2026 10:53 PM PHT

|

Updated March 01, 2026 11:58 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

FIBA

FIBA Basketball

2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Tim Cone

ABSSports

Gilas Pilipinas

Australia Boomers

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.