MANILA, Philippines – History is not on Gilas Pilipinas’ side as it hosts New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, November 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Filipinos have not beaten the Tall Blacks in FIBA competition, losing in all their four encounters by an average of 24.3 points.

But coach Tim Cone believes his charges are capable of changing the status quo, with the team making strides over the past year by ruling the Asian Games and reaching the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“I don’t think they’ve seen a team like the team we’re assembling before so I think we got a shot at beating them,” said Cone.

“We want to certainly protect our home court and we want to show our ourselves to our fans, to the Gilas fans around the country. These are all very, very important to us so I really expect us to be ready and motivated to play.”

The last time the two teams faced off came in the 2022 Asia Cup, where New Zealand cruised to a 92-75 victory.

A lot, though, has changed for the Philippines since then as only Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo remain part of the national team pool from that tournament.

Since he officially took over as national team coach in January, Cone has stuck with the same players in his pool, with the idea of fostering the continuity of the program.

Cone hopes the chemistry the team developed for the past year bears fruit against a Tall Blacks side undergoing a transition following the recent entry of a new coach in Judd Flavell and the addition of a bevy of young players.

“We have had that continuity over this last year and that might bolster us,” said Cone.

Familiar faces banner New Zealand, with veteran guard Corey Webster and former PBA import Tom Vodanovich leading the visiting Kiwis.

Cone said he expects a physical battle, which will determine the top seed in Group B as both the Philippines and New Zealand tote 2-0 records.

“They’re a nation of rugby players so they know how to play physically. It’s a part of their culture. It’s not personal, it’s just the way they play, and that’s something we’re going to have to be conscious of.”

After tangling with the Tall Blacks, Gilas Pilipinas will shoot for a repeat win over Hong Kong on November 24. – Rappler.com