The Tall Blacks started strong and kept the Philippines at bay with some good defence for a 87-70 vcitory at Spark Arena in Auckland in Asica Cup qualifying
In a sold out match which seemed to have the majority of the Philippines community in full voice Corey Webster celebrsted his 100th appearance for New Zealand.
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The Tall Blacks suffered a 93-89 loss against the Gilas in Nobrmnrt but led by a career equaling 25 points from Tohi-Smith-Milner avenged that defeat in style.
Webster shot an efficient five from nine for his 14 points while there were other key contributions from Reuben Te Rangi (12 points and nine rebounds), Jordan Ngatai (11 points).
Point guard Taylor Britt had arguably his best game in a black singlet adding five rebounds and three assists to eight points.
Despite being undermanned with Sam Waardenburg injury, the New Zealanders were better at rebounding and kept defence tight as the visitors struggled to get near the basket.
injury won the rebounding count 45-42 and held their opponents to 27 from 72 (38%) from the floor while converting at 44% (30/69) themselves.
There was also a notable difference from beyond the arc where New Zealand shot 39% (13/33) compared with 21% ((6/29) from the visitors.
The victory ensured that the Tall Blacks finished top of Group B at the conclusion of their Asia Cup Qualifying campaign ensuring a top six seeding at the FIBA Asia Cup in August.
Smith-Milner opened the scoring with an arching three and Webster scored with his opening shot as the hosts forged an 18-9 lead - Smith-Milner with three triples in the opening frame as the Tall Blacks won the period 30-15.
The Philippines scored the first 4 points after the resumption and although Webster answered with a triple the visitors narrowed the deficit to 8 points at the six minute mark in the period.
Smith-Milner, after making his fourth effort from beyond the arc, was forced to the bench after picking up a third foul – a pair of Taylor Britt jump shots restoring the Tall Blacks double figure lead. The Tall Blacks outscored the Gilas 10-2 over the closing minutes to carry momentum and a 53-33 lead into the half-time break.
Spearheaded by Smith-Milner (4/6) and Ngatai (2/5) the Tall Blacks shot 10 from 19 from beyond the arc with the Filipinos restricted to 2 from 11 from deep and 13 from 34 overall in the half.
A pair of technical fouls picked up by the Philippines, much to the consternation of coach Tim Cone, helped the Tall Blacks cause – their lead close to thirty after a Te Rangi score.
The volume of support from the Philippines fans increased markedly as their team reduced the deficit to 19 points (74-55) ahead of the final quarter.
Gilas Pilipinas scored the opening points of the final period and were within 11 points with 6 minutes to play before scores from Webster and Kaia Isaac necessitated a time out from the visitors.
Livewire guard Chris Newsome raised the Philippines hopes with a couple of baskets but the Tall Blacks weathered the storm to close out a deserved victory while also providing playing time and second caps for Tama Isaac and Jackson Ball.
Tall Blacks 87 – Tohi Milner 25pts, 9 rebounds, Corey Webster 14pts, ReubenTe Rangi 12pts 9rebs, Jordan Ngatai 11pts Philippines 70 Chris Newsome 13pts, June Mar Fajardo 11pts, Justin Brownlee 10pts
Tall Blacks Results– Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025
22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69
25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland): WON 88-49
21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away): LOST 89-93
25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): WON 81-64
20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away) WON 92-51
23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (Spark Arena, Auckland) WON 87-70
5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)