AUCKLAND (New Zealand) - New Zealand are heading to the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers after outlasting the Philippines, 106-102, in a thrilling double-overtime classic on Friday.
The Tall Blacks' journey to the Second Round was built over two windows. After opening their win column with hard-fought victories over the Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena and Guam in Hagåtña, the Tall Blacks completed the job in dramatic fashion, defeating Gilas Pilipinas in a thriller.
Tai Webster scored 12 points in his return to playing with the Tall Blacks.
Meanwhile, Reuben Te Rangi scored 22 points, Shea Ili added 21 points and 6 assists, and Sam Waardenburg registered a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double as New Zealand clinched their third win of the Qualifiers and punched their ticket to the next stage.
World Cup Pedigree
NEW ZEALAND
Number of participations: 7
Last participation: 2023 (22nd)
Best finish: 2002 (4th)
Past Qualifiers
Edition | Record |
2023 (Q) | 8-2 (1st in Group E - Second Round) |
2019 (Q) | 10-2 (1st in Group E - Second Round) |
Who will they face in the Second Round?
The top three teams from Group A and Group C will form Group E in the Second Round, carrying over all results from the First Round.
Group A |
|
|---|---|
Qualified | Australia, Philippines, New Zealand |
In contention |
|
Eliminated | Guam |
Group C |
|
|---|---|
Qualified | Jordan, Iran, Syria |
In contention |
|
Eliminated | Iraq |
FIBA