Gilas Pilipinas, losers once more against New Zealand, need to figure things out fast as they take on Iraq in a do-or-die game in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Gilas coach Tim Cone pointed to the mental aspect of the game as the team's main concern after dropping their first two games in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The Filipinos got battered from deep before falling short in their comeback in the second half against New Zealand to stumble anew, 86-94, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Friday, Aug. 8. (Manila time)
The Tall Blacks shot 13-for-26 from the three-point area, just over 24 hours after Chinese Taipei also hit 12 treys on Gilas in a 95-87 win.
“To me, it’s more mental adjustments than anything else. It's just something we've got to continue to talk about and work on and try to figure out why teams are shooting so well,” said Cone post-match.
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New Zealand heated up in the second period with Jordan Ngatai making back-to-back three-pointers to set the tone for New Zealand.
Even Jack Andrew, not known for making shots from long range, swished a three-ball that gave New Zealand a 55-37 edge with 1:10 left in the first half.
“Even the non-shooter took a shot and made a three as well. From the corner on a loose ball, threw it up and made a three. That’s the way it has been going for us lately,” Cone said.
But Cone is optimistic his squad will find a way in time for its do-or-die game against Iraq Saturday, Aug. 9.
“Hopefully, we can turn that around. We have to,” he said.
“And again, it’s all going to be about mental, getting loose balls, getting loose rebounds, and not allowing the extra possessions to get three-point shots up.”