Newsome stays hopeful as Gilas in must-win situation vs Iraq: 'We still got a chance'

At this level, there is little to no room for mistakes.

That was how Chris Newsome summed up Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign so far as they fell to a 0-2 hole in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Nationals' latest loss came at the hands of New Zealand, 86-94, early Friday morning, Aug. 8. (Manila time)

“Another tough loss for us. we’re out there trying to compete at a high level. At this level, you've got no room for mistakes, and they’ll make you pay for it,” said Newsome after the match at the King Abdullah Sports City.

[RELATED STORY: Justin Brownlee, Gilas shake off loss as win-or-go-home FIBA Asia Cup duel vs Iraq looms]

Gilas stumbled to defensive lapses that led to 13 three-pointers for the Tall Blacks, who currently sit on top of the Group D heap together with Chinese Taipei with their identical 2-0 slates.

“That’s what you saw. Once they had guys open, they were able to hit those shots. They make you pay for helping,” Newsome said.

[RELATED STORY: Jordan Ngatai says New Zealand never underestimated Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup win]

But Newsome said Gilas remains upbeat despite the woeful start.

“We’re definitely not down or out; we still got a chance. We've just got to learn our lessons from this one and continue to move forward,” Newsome said.

That chance will come Saturday, Aug. 9, when Gilas takes on Iraq for the third seed and the qualification for the quarterfinals against the No. 2 seed of Group C.

[RELATED STORY: Though surprised at 0-2 FIBA Asia Cup skid, Tim Cone says 'tournament’s not over' for Gilas]

Defense will certainly make the difference for the Filipino hoopers.

“For us, it’s about finding out what we can do better defensively. So in that way, we can get our offense going,” Newsome said.

“The main focus for us is defense. We can't outscore teams here. We definitely [have] to outdefend them.”

The Gilas-Iraq match tips off at 4 p.m. (Manila time)