Courtesy: FIBA
Gilas Pilipinas begins its campaign in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers against New Zealand on Friday, July 3.
The nationals are looking to get even with the Tall Blacks in the qualifiers in their 3 p.m. clash at the Sphere Arena in Auckland.
New Zealand beat Gilas, 69-66, in the second window last February at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Max Darling, who had a game-high 11 points in that game, will miss his home team’s match this time.
But Gilas must not get complacent as New Zealand is still a force to be reckoned with, with young big man Sam Mennenga leading the squad.
The hosts also boast seven other players from the last window namely Jordan Ngatayi, Taylor Britt, Tohi Smith-Milner, Carlin Davidson, Taine Murray, Reuben Te Rangi, and Keanu Rasmussen.
Justin Brownlee takes charge for Gilas, which also seeks to end a four-game losing streak against New Zealand.
Set to help Brownlee for that mission are June Mar Fajardo, Troy Rosario, Chris Newsome, RJ Abarrientos, Justin Baltazar, AJ Edu, Juan Gomez De Liano, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, Mike Philips, and Dwight Ramos.
Both the Filipinos and the Kiwis are tied at second spot in Group A with 2-2 records.
Unbeaten Australia is at the top with a 4-0 slate. Guam sits at the bottom after going winless in four games.
Meanwhile, Gilas will head to Perth after facing New Zealand as it also collides with Australia on Monday, July 6.
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