Gilas U18 girls shock New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup

The Gilas youth national basketball squad pulled off a massive statement win after stunning New Zealand, 69-64, in the ongoing FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup on Oct. 6, 2026, at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.

Fresh off back-to-back losses at the hands of Australia and South Korea, the Gilas Girls scored a much-needed come-from-behind win, frustrating New Zealand to book a ticket to the play-in stage.

Things got out of hand early for Gilas after New Zealand’s height and size advantage became the difference-maker in the one-sided first half.

New Zealand scored in the shaded lane at will while limiting Gilas’ paint touches, forcing them to play outside the perimeter for 20 straight minutes.

The sluggish start allowed New Zealand to take a 39-30 advantage at the half, but head coach Sandy Arespacochaga and the rest of Gilas put up a valiant fightback in the second half, and it all started with a crucial defensive adjustment.

The veteran national team tactician ordered his wards to apply nonstop, suffocating full-court defensive pressure, backstopped by soft double teams every time New Zealand had trouble crossing the center line.

Arespacochaga’s defensive brilliance steered Gilas to a demoralizing 11-0 burst to start the third quarter, capped by a 20-4 run for a 50-43 lead entering the fourth quarter.

As expected, New Zealand fought back and made up for a dismal third-quarter showing, dragging the Gilas girls into a thrilling mano-a-mano slugfest until the final minute.

Inside the final 52 seconds of regulation, New Zealand retook the driver’s seat, 64-63, but Gilas answered with a cold-blooded go-ahead layup from Rhiane Perez with 49.8 seconds left.

A momentum-boosting defensive stop prevented the Kiwis from scoring again, while the 1-2 punch of Zaydhen Rosano and Grace Curley put the finishing touches on the win with clutch free throws.

Rosano spearheaded Gilas’ huge win with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting clip alongside seven rebounds, while Perez added 13 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Curley was also a key factor in the breakthrough win, stuffing the stat sheet with an all-around outing of nine points, 10 rebounds, three steals and a block.

Awaiting the Gilas girls in the qualification game for the semifinal round is China, which is seeking a bounce-back victory today after falling to Japan in its final elimination game in Group B.