Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough 94-86 defeat against New Zealand on Thursday, placing the team at risk of an early exit from the FIBA Asia Cup.
June Mar Fajardo delivered a solid performance for the national team, contributing 11 points and grabbing four rebounds in 25 minutes of play as a starter. Despite his efforts, Gilas struggled to contain a well-coordinated New Zealand squad that proved to be a formidable opponent.
The loss places added pressure on Gilas Pilipinas as they continue their campaign in the tournament. With their chances of advancement now in jeopardy, both players and coaching staff are reevaluating strategies to stay in contention.
Fajardo’s strong showing offered a silver lining, but the team now faces a critical stretch in the competition. Their next game will be pivotal in determining their fate in the tournament.
Fans remain hopeful that Gilas Pilipinas can bounce back and deliver stronger performances moving forward. As the FIBA Asia Cup continues to present stiff competition, the team is working to regroup, refine their game, and keep their tournament hopes alive.