With the opening day of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in the books, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei took the early lead in Group D, while Gilas Pilipinas and Iraq lagged behind.
The Tall Blacks took care of business against the Iraqis, while the Taiwanese proved to be a tough opponent for Gilas behind a gutsy 95-87 victory.
Thanks to their 22-point win, New Zealand leads Chinese Taipei on point differential, while Gilas occupies the no. 3 spot despite a narrow opening loss.
Group D Standings (As of Wednesday, August 6)
Team | Wins | Losses | Points | +/-
New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 2 | +22
Chinese Taipei | 1 | 0 | 2 | +8
Philippines | 0 | 1 | 1 | -8
Iraq | 0 | 1 | 1 | -22
All four teams will return to action today, August 6 until Thursday, August 7 (PH time), for Day 2 with the results carrying heavy implications.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Gilas Pilipinas compete at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup]
Gilas Pilipinas (0-1)
Next opponent: New Zealand (1-0)
Time: 11:00 p.m. (PH time), August 7
The Philippines aims to bounce back after a flat start against Chinese Taipei, but another familiar foe stands in the way of Gilas and a first tournament win.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas bow to Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 opener]
New Zealand opened its campaign in ruthless fashion, dismantling Iraq in a 22-point rout as the Tall Blacks began their hunt for a maiden FIBA Asia Cup gold.
This will be the first meeting between the Philippines and New Zealand since the Kiwis’ commanding 87-70 win in Auckland during the final window of the qualifiers last February.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas fall flat vs New Zealand to end FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers]
Now hoping to avoid an early 0-2 hole, head coach Tim Cone’s squad faces an uphill climb in what is shaping up to be a crucial game.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone disappointed in Gilas' Asia Cup opening loss: 'Like we’re in panic mode for 40 mins']
Despite fouling out last game, Justin Brownlee is still expected to lead the charge for Gilas, who are searching for their first win against New Zealand since a thrilling home victory in Manila back in November 2024 during the second window of the qualifiers.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas scores first win vs. New Zealand, closes in on FIBA Asia Cup 2025 berth]
Now, a loss to New Zealand does not mean outright elimination for Gilas. But, should Iraq also lose to Chinese Taipei, then the Philippines' third assignment is a do-or-die game to ensure survival in the tournament.
The second and third placed teams per group will participate in the playoffs. In this case, Gilas will be hoping to stay alive to take on the contenders in Group C.
New Zealand (1-0)
Next opponent: Gilas Pilipinas (0-1)
Time: 11:00 p.m. (PH time)
Fresh off a commanding win against Iraq, the Tall Blacks aim for a second consecutive victory as they face Gilas Pilipinas in Group D play.
Taylor Britt led the charge with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, helping New Zealand pull away in the fourth quarter for their first tournament win.
Mojave King added 18 points, while Tohi Smith-Milner scored 11 of his 13 points in a dominant 37-13 final frame.
[ALSO READ: New Zealand pulls away late, beats Iraq in FIBA Asia Cup opener]
Now, New Zealand seeks back-to-back wins—not just in the continental showpiece, but also against Gilas Pilipinas.
Can the Tall Blacks repeat their success, or will the Philippines exact some revenge?
Chinese Taipei (1-0)
Next opponent: Iraq (0-1)
Time: 7:00 p.m. (PH time)
Also aiming for a 2-0 start, Chinese Taipei will face Iraq in an earlier showdown between Group D squads.
Chen Ying-Chun torched Gilas Pilipinas with 34 points, including six three-pointers, in a sizzling performance that helped the team join New Zealand as opening-day Group D victors.
Brandon Gilbeck added 16 points and nine rebounds in a solid performance.
A win over Iraq could further strengthen Chinese Taipei’s chances of securing an outright quarterfinal berth, as only the top teams from each group will advance.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams since the FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, where Chinese Taipei secured an 86-77 victory.
Iraq (0-1)
Next opponent: Chinese Taipei (0-1)
Time: 7:00 p.m. (PH time)
Similar to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq is aiming to bounce back and secure its first tournament win as they face off against Chinese Taipei.
Ahmed Abdul-Allah led the way with 19 points, including five three-pointers, in a 22-point loss to New Zealand.
Thulfiqar Hammoodi added 15 markers while a misfiring naturalized player Demario Mayfield finished with just nine points.
Despite Iraq staying close in the first three quarters, they ultimately ran out of steam in the final frame, resulting in the only game of the day decided by double digits.