Philippines, 28 Mar 2024
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


NEW ZEALAND TALL BLACKS READY FOR VITAL GAME AGAINST GILAS PILIPINAS


PhilBoxing.com




The New Zealand Tall Blacks are all but ready for their crucial opening game against Gilas Pilipinas who gave 5th ranked France a scare on opening day in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila against a passionate hometown crowd of 20,000 fans.

Following an injury scare that Corey Webster may not make the line-up, coach Henare indicated he had made tremendous progress and would be ready to suit up against the Filipinos whose backcourt tandem of Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo outplayed their French counterparts for long stretches in their opening game.

The Tall Blacks coach who faces former New Zealand mentor Tab Baldwin, said the Tall Blacks ?match up reasonably well against Gilas Pilipinas who ?size-wise compare to us pretty well? with Isaac Fotu and Mika Vukona ?always play bigger than the stat sheet might suggest. It will be a big battle? against naturalized player Andray Blatche, Junmar Fajardo and Troy Rosario.

Taking a cue from Rody Duterte who beat tremendous odds in winning the presidency, the national basketball team showed the same fighting heart in giving fancied France, ranked No. 5 in the world, a scare in the opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena before losing 93-84 in coach Baldwin ?prepared them well both mentally and emotionally to take on the French team ?loaded with NBA stars.

However, both Lipa and veteran TV analyst Andy Jao who will work the New Zealand game tomorrow expressed concern about the fact that New Zealand had a chance to scout Gilas and that could be a plus factor for them.

Jao said ?I?m so wary because we played them before and beat them, but that won?t be easy this time. He noted that Jeff Chan is a great shooter but has a problem guarding his opponents while Bobby Ray Parks ?has heart and will be a factor in the future.?

San Antonio superstar Tony Parker led a 9-2 French which cut a 10 point lead to one, 41-40 before another Spurts star Boris Diaw tied the count with two free throws before naturalized player Andray Blatche who was outstanding in the first quarter lost the ball enabling Parker to get by Terrence Romeo and score easily for a 45-41 lead.

France take a day off on Wednesday before taking on New Zealand in Thursday with a win sending them into the semi finals while Gilas Pilipinas must ride the crest of their stirring performance against France to hopefully overcome the Tall Blacks of New Zealand to keep the country?s hopes alive.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Press Conference Notes: Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson & Seniesa Estrada-Yokasta Valle Doubleheader Set for Friday
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • WEIGHTS FROM BIG TIME BOXING USA IN DETROIT
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Undefeated Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes to Attend Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson Fight Eyes Potential Showdown with Winner
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • PACE to host FIDE chess tilt this weekend
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Preserving a Legacy: The Birth of the Philippine Boxing Historical Society
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Garcia vs Haney: Boxing Match or A Live Mental Break Down?
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Christian Mbilli-Mark Heffron Super Middleweight Main Event & Arslanbek Makhmudov-Junior Fa Heavyweight Battle Set for May 25 at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • MATÍAS MAKES HOMECOMING DEFENSE AGAINST PARO ON JUNE 15
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • ‘ROCKY’ HERNANDEZ RETURNS AGAINST LUGO IN MEXICO ON MAY 11
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • PCAP: Cavite eyeing to bounce back
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • HALL OF FAMER ANN WOLFE TO ATTEND 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
    , Thu, 28 Mar 2024
  • Gathering of champions
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Filipinos AJ Paciones and Ador Torres Make Weight for Title Fights in Highland Boxing Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Visiting Teams All Won vs Hosts; Boston Finally Loses
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Lukas to face undefeated Jaiklom on March 30 in Bangkok
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Sulaiman leaves Manila with fond memories
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Montano to Fight for WBO Oriental Welterweight Title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • JOSE RAMIREZ AND VERGIL ORTIZ JR. HOST FRESNO PRESS CONFERENCE
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Joseph Adorno-Nicholas Walters Weigh-In Results
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Oscar Valdez and Sergio Rodriguez Give Back to Local Phoenix Children Ahead of Friday's ESPN+-Streamed World Title Doubleheader
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • “Granite Chin Box Off” to launch May 11th 4-fighter, 1-night super middleweight tournament
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Starling Castillo Ready For Jesus Saracho After Linking Up With Bob Santos
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Blair "The Flair" Cobbs Joins Forces with Coach Justin Gamber
    , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Cutiyog sweeps Imus tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024
  • Sarcon beats Huang by UD
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 Mar 2024




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2024 philboxing.com.