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Tag: Gilas Pilipinas

  • Gilas faces familiar rivals as fourth window of World Cup qualifiers takes shape 

    Gilas faces familiar rivals as fourth window of World Cup qualifiers takes shape 

    The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 is entering its most demanding stage for Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    With the completion of the third window of the Asian Qualifiers, the six-team field for Group E is now officially set. The Philippines will carry its campaign into the second round alongside Australia and New Zealand from Group A, while West Asian powers Iran, Jordan, and Syria advance from Group C.

     

    Australia topped Group A to secure the No. 1 seed, followed by New Zealand and Gilas Pilipinas. Iran, meanwhile, claimed first place in Group C with a 5-1 record, edging Jordan for the top spot via the head-to-head tiebreaker after defeating the Falcons, 67-49, in Amman to open the third window.

     

    Because results from the first round carry over, Gilas enters the next phase with a 2-4 record, making every remaining game crucial in its bid to reach the World Cup in Qatar.

     

    The fourth qualifying window, expected to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, presents the Filipinos with immediate opportunities for redemption. Gilas is scheduled to host Jordan on August 28 before taking on Iran on August 30. The national team then travels to face Syria on November 27 in the fifth window.

     

    The matchup against Jordan revives a rivalry that most recently favored the Falcons.

     

    The two nations last met at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga in July 2024, where Jordan defeated the Philippines, 74-66. 

     

    Despite both teams already being out of semifinal contention, Jordan controlled much of the contest behind its disciplined defense, while Gilas struggled to generate consistent offense. The loss denied the Filipinos a winning finish in their Olympic qualifying campaign, giving Tim Cone’s squad added motivation heading into the August rematch.

     

    Iran, on the other hand, brings back memories of one of the biggest victories in recent Philippine basketball history.

     

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    Their last official meeting came in the 2023 Asian Games quarterfinals in Hangzhou, where Gilas pulled off a stunning 84-83 comeback victory. 

     

    Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Filipinos stormed back behind Justin Brownlee, who delivered the game-winning basket with seconds remaining to eliminate the heavily favored Iranians. The victory ignited the Philippines’ historic run that eventually ended with its first Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal in 61 years, making the August showdown another highly anticipated chapter in the rivalry.

     

    The November clash against Syria will be a meeting of teams that have not crossed paths in nearly a decade.

     

    The Philippines last faced Syria at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, cruising to a dominant 109-55 victory in the classification round behind an explosive performance from NBA veteran Jordan Clarkson. 

     

    Prior to that, their previous major tournament encounter came during the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship, underscoring how rare meetings between the two countries have become in recent years. The long gap adds another layer of intrigue when they finally square off again later this year.

     

    While the opponents each carry different storylines, the stakes remain the same.

     

    The second round consists of six additional games, with the top three teams in Group E automatically qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. The best fourth-place finisher between the two second-round groups will also secure a World Cup berth alongside host Qatar.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the next three windows will be more than a fight for qualification. They offer a chance to avenge a recent defeat to Jordan, renew a growing rivalry with Iran after a memorable Asian Games classic, and reconnect with Syria in a matchup that has been absent from the international calendar for years.

     

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  • MOA Arena emerges as possible venue for Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial FIBA Qualifiers Window 

    MOA Arena emerges as possible venue for Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial FIBA Qualifiers Window 

    After enduring a difficult stretch in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas could be set for a much-needed lift when the next window arrives—with the possibility of playing in front of its home supporters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.


    The potential return to Philippine soil comes at a critical point for the national team, which enters Group E with a 2-4 record and needs every advantage possible as the race for a place in the FIBA World Cup 2027 becomes tighter.

     

    If the reported venue arrangement pushes through, the SM Mall of Asia Arena is expected to host all six Group E games during Window 4, giving Gilas and the rest of the teams a familiar environment for the important stretch of qualifiers.

     

    The move follows the relocation of Windows 2, 3, and 4 of Group C to Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on June 29, July 2, and July 5 due to the conflict in the Middle East.

     

    The upcoming window is scheduled to begin on August 27, with Syria facing Australia, Iran meeting New Zealand, and the Philippines taking on Jordan.

     

    The Philippines will return to action on August 28 against Jordan before facing Iran on August 30, two games that could have major implications for Gilas’ qualification hopes.

     

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    A home environment could provide the spark Tim Cone’s squad needs after a challenging run. The Philippines started the qualifiers strongly with two straight victories in Window 1 but has since dropped four consecutive games.

     

    Gilas ended the previous window with a heartbreaking 106-102 defeat to New Zealand, where the team fought until the final minutes, before suffering a difficult 92-49 loss to Australia in Perth.

     

    The latest setback exposed the gap between Gilas and the top teams in the group, but the national team still has an opportunity to recover with crucial home fixtures ahead.

     

    Only the top three teams in Group E will earn outright qualification for the FIBA World Cup 2027, making every remaining game increasingly important.

     

    Australia currently controls the group with an unbeaten 6-0 record, while Iran and Jordan are tied behind them at 5-1. New Zealand sits in third place at 4-2, leaving Gilas with limited room for mistakes as it tries to climb the standings.

     

    With a possible home crowd behind them in Pasay, the Philippines hopes familiar surroundings can become the turning point in its campaign and help revive its push for another appearance on basketball’s biggest international stage.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cherishes every Gilas call-up as international journey nears twilight 

    June Mar Fajardo cherishes every Gilas call-up as international journey nears twilight 

    For June Mar Fajardo, the result on the scoreboard will fade with time. The privilege of wearing “Pilipinas” across his chest never will.

     

    The longtime Gilas Pilipinas cornerstone walked away from Monday night’s 92-49 defeat to Australia with more than a bounce-back performance. It was another reminder that, at this stage of his decorated career, every national team appearance is a chance he refuses to take for granted.

     

    After being held scoreless in the Philippines’ heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand just days earlier, Fajardo answered with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block against the Boomers. He continued to battle inside despite Australia’s size, physicality, and relentless pressure, giving Gilas one of its few steady presences throughout the contest.

     

    Still, the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player said the statistics mattered far less than the opportunity itself.

     

    “Isang karangalan na makalaro sa national team. Sobrang daming players sa Pilipinas na gustong makalaro sa national team.”

     

    Fajardo admitted he has always felt fortunate to be consistently trusted by the Gilas coaching staff throughout the years, recognizing that many talented players have had to fight for the same opportunity.

     

    “Sobrang swerte ko and blessed ako. Hindi mahirap para sa’kin na makapasok sa roster. ‘Yung iba na dadaan sa tryouts, ako diretso na ako sa line-up.”

     

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    Now 36 years old, Fajardo understands that the remaining chapters of his international career are becoming fewer. Rather than dwell on that reality, it has strengthened his appreciation every time his name appears on the national team roster.

     

    “Hindi ako magsasawa na maglaro para sa national team.”

     

    His determination, however, was not enough to lift Gilas past one of Asia’s basketball powerhouses.

     

    Australia controlled the game from the opening tip and never allowed the Filipinos to find any rhythm. Gilas committed 19 turnovers that turned into 30 Boomers points, surrendered 20 fast-break points, and struggled to match Australia’s dominance on the boards as the hosts cruised to victory.

     

    Despite consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia in the third window, the Philippines still advanced to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record.

     

    With the next phase beginning in late August, Fajardo and Gilas will once again answer the call when they face Jordan on August 28, another opportunity for the veteran big man to do what he says he will never grow tired of—representing the country.

     

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  • Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team closed out the opening round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers without a victory after suffering a heavy 94-49 defeat at the hands of host Australia at RAC Arena in Perth on Monday, July 6.

     

    The loss extended Gilas Pilipinas’ winless run to four games in the qualifiers, highlighting the significant gap between the Filipinos and one of the world’s elite basketball programs. Facing the sixth-ranked team in the FIBA world rankings on its home floor, Gilas struggled to establish any offensive rhythm as Australia imposed its physicality and defensive pressure from the opening tip.

     

    Already shorthanded entering the contest, Gilas was forced to play without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Brownlee’s absence deprived the Philippines of its most reliable scorer and playmaker, but head coach Tim Cone refused to use it as an excuse for the team’s lopsided defeat.

     

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    “Well, it wasn’t worth 40 points, that’s for sure. You know, he’s a guy we can go to in tough moments, but he wasn’t just ready to go tonight. He wouldn’t be much of a help the way he was feeling,” Cone said after the game.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the missing personnel, Cone credited Australia for executing its game plan at an elite level, praising the Boomers’ athleticism, relentless defense, and ability to capitalize on every mistake committed by Gilas.

     

    “We really felt we could come out and compete, but we only competed in stretches. That’s not good enough against a high-quality team like this, the number six team in the world. There’s a reason they are ranked that highly. Like I said, they had really superior athletes out there getting into us and making it tough,” he added.

    Australia dictated the tempo throughout the contest, forcing Gilas into difficult possessions while converting turnovers into easy transition baskets. The Boomers’ defensive intensity repeatedly disrupted the Philippines’ offensive sets, preventing the visitors from finding any sustained momentum.

     

    Leading the charge for Australia were several standout players with professional experience at the highest levels of basketball. Among them were Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor and NBL superstar Bryce Cotton, whose speed, shot-making, and overall offensive firepower proved too much for the Filipinos to contain.

     

    Cone singled out Cotton’s impact on the game, acknowledging the veteran guard’s ability to punish even the slightest defensive lapses while emphasizing that Australia’s pressure defense created numerous scoring opportunities.

     

    “Well, what is he, like a six-time MVP in the NBL? He’s one of the superior athletes. He’s incredibly quick and gets off the floor so fast on his jump shot. We were supposed to switch some of the screens he was getting, and we weren’t getting to the proper switch. We weren’t executing well. Again, their defense created so much for their offense and so much for Cotton.

     

    “The bottom line was our point guards struggled tonight under the pressure, and then having to guard those kind of guys was a revelation for them. If we move on, we’re going to see players like Bryce, Proctor, Jack McVeigh, Mitch Creek, all those guys. They’re tremendous players and they know the game,” Cone concluded.

     

    Australia’s relentless pressure exposed Gilas’ backcourt throughout the night, with the Filipino guards finding little room to operate against the Boomers’ aggressive perimeter defense. Every defensive breakdown was quickly punished, allowing the hosts to steadily build their advantage and put the contest out of reach long before the final buzzer.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the defeat served as another difficult lesson against top-level international competition. While the absence of Brownlee was undoubtedly felt, Cone maintained that Australia’s superior execution, depth, and defensive intensity ultimately made the difference.

     

    The result leaves Gilas Pilipinas still searching for its first victory after four games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. With the next phase of the campaign looming, the national team will be looking to regroup, regain its health, and make the necessary adjustments as it aims to revive its qualification hopes against equally formidable opposition.

     

     

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  • Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Dwight Ramos admits Australia’s defense wore down Gilas Pilipinas in heavy qualifiers defeat 

    Australia’s defense didn’t just stop Gilas Pilipinas from scoring—it dictated everything the Philippines tried to do on the floor, and Dwight Ramos believes that was the deciding factor in the Boomers’ commanding 92-49 victory in Perth.


    The Filipino swingman said Australia’s relentless full-court pressure prevented Gilas from ever settling into its offense, leaving the team scrambling to beat the defense before it could even think about creating quality scoring opportunities.

     

    “Australia had amazing pressure up the court, giving us trouble. It was very difficult. We had a lot of turnovers in the backcourt and then when we were able to get across halfcourt, shot clock was low, forced us to bad shots, and then obviously throughout the game it wears us down,” Ramos said.

     

    The constant pressure took its toll on the Philippines, which committed 19 turnovers that Australia converted into 30 points, allowing the hosts to seize complete control of the contest.

     

    Even amid Gilas’ offensive struggles, Ramos finished as the team’s top scorer with nine points. However, the 26-year-old endured a difficult shooting night, connecting on only four of his 16 attempts as Australia’s defense made every possession a challenge.

     

    The Philippines showed resilience early and stayed within striking distance, entering halftime trailing by just 14 points.

     

    Veteran center June Mar Fajardo responded after being held scoreless against New Zealand, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to anchor the Philippines inside.

     

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    Mike Philipps also delivered one of his best outings in the qualifying window, finishing with six points and 12 rebounds while battling Australia’s frontcourt.

     

    Australia received a major offensive spark from six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who erupted for a game-high 21 points off the bench. 

     

    Rising guard Tyrese Proctor added 16 points as the Boomers completed an unbeaten 6-0 campaign in the opening round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The defeat dropped Gilas to a 2-4 record and marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss to close the first phase of qualifying. 

     

    Despite the setback, the Philippines secured its place in the second round, where it will face Syria, Iran, and Jordan in another home-and-away group.

     

    With the next qualifying window scheduled for August 27 to 31, Gilas now shifts its focus to regrouping and addressing the issues exposed by Australia’s relentless defense as it continues its bid for a place in the FIBA World Cup.

     

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  • Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    The final score offered little comfort for Gilas Pilipinas, but Mike Phillips made sure there was still something worth remembering from Monday night’s loss in Perth.

     

    In a game where Australia dictated the tempo from start to finish en route to a 92-49 victory at RAC Arena, Phillips refused to let the contest slip by without a fight. The 6-foot-8 forward relentlessly chased loose balls, battled for rebounds against the bigger Boomers, and provided the energy that the Philippines desperately needed throughout the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash.

     

    The numbers reflected his effort. Phillips grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes and 29 seconds while contributing six points, highlighted by a pair of emphatic dunks. He also recorded a steal and a block, making an impact on both ends of the floor despite the lopsided result.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, Phillips’ relentless approach stood out more than anything else.

    “Yeah, he was one of the bright lights for us tonight. He was doing great, especially in the first half. He was rebounding the heck out of the ball and just playing,” said Philippines head coach Tim Cone after the game.

     

    “His nickname is ‘Motor Mike’ and there’s a reason for that. He plays with such a tremendous motor. He’s all over the floor.”

     

    The performance was a significant response after Phillips saw limited production in his Gilas debut against New Zealand, where he posted just two points, three rebounds, and a steal in 11 minutes during the Filipinos’ heartbreaking 106-102 double-overtime defeat.

     

    Against Australia, circumstances also demanded more from him. Gilas entered the contest without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined by multiple injuries, opening the door for Phillips to take on a larger role in the frontcourt.

     

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    What made his outing even more impressive was that he wasn’t operating at full strength.

    Cone revealed that Phillips had been dealing with a “gimpy ankle” after suffering an injury during one of Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up games before the third qualifying window, yet the young forward never let it affect the way he attacked every possession.

     

    The effort may not have been enough to prevent the defeat, but it reinforced why Phillips is becoming one of the national team’s most intriguing young pieces heading into the next phase of the qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines wrapped up the first round of Group A with a 2-4 record, securing third place and advancing to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers. Gilas will resume its campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Arena later this August, taking on Jordan on August 28 before facing Iran on August 30.

     

    Cone believes performances like Monday’s are only the beginning for the energetic forward.

    “He’s a young guy, and he plays with so much enthusiasm. It’s very infectious,” Cone said of Phillips.

     

    “Tonight, it was less visible because of the score, but I think that’s something our fans are really going to appreciate moving forward — watching him play with that kind of effort and seeing the other guys get infected by it and continue to play.”

     

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  • Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    The result stung, but for Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Friday’s heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand also revealed something far more encouraging — the next generation of the national team is beginning to arrive.

     

    Despite falling 106-102 to the Tall Blacks in Auckland to slip to 2-3 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas drew optimism from the emergence of its young core, with Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo carrying much of the offensive load throughout the marathon contest.

     

    Cone believes performances like these are exactly what the program has been building toward.

    “That’s how you evolve a team, right? You try to win with your veterans and you develop your young guys. Our young guys have been developing over the last year and a half, two years. Every time they’ve come into a window, they’ve gotten better,” Cone said.

     

    The trio delivered one of their best collective outings in a Gilas uniform.

     

    Gomez de Liaño finished with a team-high 23 points, matching Quiambao’s output while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He repeatedly answered New Zealand’s runs with timely baskets, including clutch shots late in regulation and the first overtime that kept the Philippines alive.

     

    Quiambao continued to showcase his all-around game, contributing 23 points along with three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, while Tamayo chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

     

    For Cone, their steady rise has exceeded expectations.

     

    “They have evolved along with the team. That was the vision from the very beginning when we put this team together. That they, at one point, would be the main guys,” said Cone.

     

    “It may be coming a little more quickly than we thought, but they are certainly stepping up and playing at a much higher level than they were when they were first on the team. We’re real proud of those young guys for continuing to improve.”

     

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    The coach admitted, however, that the progress offered little consolation after Gilas let another opportunity against New Zealand slip away.

     

    After losing another tight contest to the Tall Blacks — who now own an 8-1 advantage in the all-time head-to-head series — Cone acknowledged just how close the Philippines came to stealing a crucial road victory.

     

    “It would have been nice to be able to come down here and steal a game. That would have been special. And the fact that we got as close as we did obviously is a huge disappointment,” he said.

    “Once you feel like it’s in your grasp and you let it slip away, it makes it tough. We had chances in both overtimes. Regulation and overtime to win that basketball game and we just came up short.”

    Still, Cone refused to question his team’s effort after watching Gilas battle one of Oceania’s toughest squads for 50 minutes.

     

    “The bottom line was our guys came to play. They expended an incredible amount of energy just staying in the game,” he said.

     

    Gilas now shifts its attention to another daunting challenge as it closes out the first round of qualifiers against Australia on Monday.

     

    The Philippines has already secured a place in the second round but hopes to snap its three-game losing streak before carrying its record into the next phase of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

     

    Meanwhile, New Zealand officially clinched its own second-round berth by improving to 3-2 behind Reuben Te Rangi, who paced the Tall Blacks with 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Kiwis will face Guam in their final first-round assignment on Monday.

     

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  • For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey has never been about convenience.


    Even after another grueling PBA campaign, the veteran guard once again answered the national team’s call—something Meralco coach Luigi Trillo says perfectly captures the kind of player Newsome has always been.


    Speaking to the reporters Trillo admitted he takes pride in seeing his star guard represent the country, but that pride also comes with concern.


    After helping Meralco reach the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Newsome barely had any time to recover before immediately reporting for Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.


    For Trillo, that’s simply who Newsome is.


    “It’s such an honor to be on a national team and any player from your team will put country first and that’s okay… but the thing with New is, he can be on one leg and he’ll still play,” he said.


    What many fans don’t see, however, is the physical punishment the 35-year-old has been enduring behind the scenes.


    According to Trillo, Newsome continues to play through lingering injuries that would sideline many players.


    “Look at his hands, his fingers aren’t sound. One of them dislocates every practice. No joke. He has to pull that finger back into place,” Trillo also revealed.


    Despite those setbacks, Newsome never hesitated when Gilas needed him.


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    He suited up for the national team during its World Cup qualifying campaign, including Friday’s double-overtime battle against New Zealand. Although he was limited in minutes and finished scoreless in the 106-102 defeat, his presence remained valuable as one of the team’s veteran leaders.


    Trillo believes Newsome’s willingness to sacrifice is both admirable and worrying.


    “I think it’s a double-edged sword because of the success we’ve had deep in the playoffs and he has that. He has no time to recover, no time to rest his body. Also, New’s older now. You see some of these other guys, they will sit. New’s right there from the start, though. He’s always there. That’s Newsome for you,” he said.


    “I wish I can tell him what to do sometimes, but he’s just remarkable. New’s very committed in those aspects.”


    The demanding schedule isn’t over yet.


    Once Gilas wraps up its qualifying window against Australia on Monday, Newsome will have only a brief break before returning to Meralco, where the Bolts begin another title chase in the PBA Governors’ Cup.


    For Newsome, however, the routine has become familiar—serve the country first, recover later.


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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, PBA, FIFA World Cup, and Alex Eala’s Wimbledon Championships (July 6 – 12)

    Fans are in for another packed week of sporting action as the PVL On Tour begins, the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup gets underway, Alex Eala takes history and center stage at Wimbledon, Gilas Pilipinas battles Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage heats up.


    PVL On Tour


    Ilagan City, Isabela

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 4:00 PM – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles vs. Akari Chargers
    • 6:30 PM – Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Nxled Chameleons

    Batangas City
    Saturday, July 11 

    • 4:00 PM – Galeries Tower Highrisers vs. Farm Fresh Foxies
    • 6:30 PM – Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles

    Wimbledon Championships – Women’s Singles


    Round of 16 – Monday, July 6

    • 8:30 PM* (PHT) – Alex Eala vs. Jasmine Paolini

    PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup


    Friday, July 10

    Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – Terrafirma vs. Titan
    • 7:30 PM – Macau vs. NLEX Road Warriors

    Saturday, July 11

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    • 7:30 PM – Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters vs. Magnolia Hotshots

    Sunday, July 12

    Ynares Center, Montalban

    • 5:15 PM – NLEX Road Warriors vs. Terrafirma
    • 7:30 PM – Titan vs. Converge FiberXers

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    FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier
    Monday, July 6

    • 6:30 PM (PHT) – Australia vs. Philippines

    FIFA World Cup

    Round of 16

    Tuesday, July 7

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Portugal vs. Spain
    • 8:00 AM (PHT) – United States vs. Belgium

    Wednesday, July 8

    • 12:00 AM (PHT) – Argentina vs. Egypt
    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – Switzerland vs. Colombia

    Quarterfinals

    Friday, July 10

    • 4:00 AM (PHT) – France vs. Morocco

    Saturday, July 11

    • 3:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 5 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 6

    Sunday, July 12

    • 5:00 AM (PHT) – Norway vs. England
    • 9:00 AM (PHT) – Winner of Round of 16 Match 7 vs. Winner of Round of 16 Match 8

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  • Gilas braces for biggest test yet as shorthanded squad takes on unbeaten Australia 

    Gilas braces for biggest test yet as shorthanded squad takes on unbeaten Australia 

    Gilas Pilipinas doesn’t have the luxury of dwelling on another heartbreaking loss.


    Less than three days after falling to New Zealand in a double-overtime classic, the national team now shifts its attention to an even steeper challenge—a date with World No. 6 Australia to close out the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The task has become even tougher with Gilas set to play without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who has been ruled out after sustaining multiple injuries to both legs. His absence leaves the Philippines without its most experienced offensive weapon against a Boomers squad that has long been one of Asia’s measuring sticks.

     

    Still, there is one familiar advantage waiting for Gilas in Perth.

     

    Just as they experienced against New Zealand, the Filipinos are expected to receive overwhelming support from the Filipino community in Western Australia, turning RAC Arena into something resembling a home court.

     

    But for head coach Tim Cone, a supportive crowd alone won’t be enough.

    “Bottom line is we gotta win games,” Cone said after Gilas’ 102-106 double-overtime loss to New Zealand on Friday.

     

    That urgency goes beyond simply ending the third qualifying window on a positive note.

     

    Although Gilas has already secured its place in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, every result from the opening phase carries over. Another defeat would leave the Philippines entering the next stage with just a 2-4 record, putting added pressure on every remaining qualification game.

     

    Australia also represents unfinished business.

     

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    The Boomers handed Gilas a convincing 93-66 defeat when they met in Manila on March 1. While the final margin suggested a one-sided contest, the Philippines actually stayed within striking distance for much of the first half, trailing only 38-33 at the break.

     

    Australia eventually imposed its size, depth, and physicality with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Gilas 30-20 before stretching the lead to as many as 29 points.

     

    This time, however, the circumstances are different.

     

    The Philippines enters the matchup fresh from pushing New Zealand to two overtime periods on the road behind the breakout performances of Juan Gomez de Liano, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Dwight Ramos—proof that Gilas’ younger core is capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents.

     

    Now, the challenge is sustaining that level against the region’s top-ranked team.

     

    Australia remains unbeaten in the qualifiers and has not lost to the Philippines in official FIBA competition in more than five decades, making Monday’s clash another opportunity for Gilas to measure how far it has come.

     

    The Philippines faces Australia on Monday at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time) at RAC Arena in Perth, hoping to end the window with a statement victory before the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup continues.

     

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