MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas earned its place in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup even with two games left to play in the qualifiers.

Undefeated in four games in Group B, the Philippines officially clinched its Asia Cup berth after New Zealand beat Chinese Taipei, 81-64, on Monday, November 25.

The Nationals stayed perfect with a sweep of their two home games in the second window of the qualifiers, claiming a breakthrough 93-89 win over New Zealand and a 93-54 rout of Hong Kong on November 21 and 24, respectively.

Joining Australia (4-0) and Japan (4-0) as early Asia Cup entrants, the Philippines advanced to the continental showdown for the eighth straight edition.

New Zealand bounced back from its first-ever loss to the Philippines as it overcame gutsy Chinese Taipei to improve to 3-1.

Sam Waardenburg produced 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Tall Blacks, who held a precarious 52-47 lead through the first three quarters before they imposed their will on the Taiwanese in the fourth period.

Chinese Taipei dropped to 1-3.

Hong Kong, which remained winless after four games, sits at the bottom of Group B.

Ending the qualifiers of the previous Asia Cup without a loss, the Philippines seeks to replicate that feat as it tangles with New Zealand and Chinese Taipei in a pair of road games in the third window in February.

The Asia Cup will be hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August. – Rappler.com