NZ obliterates Gilas, nears sweep of WCQ QC window

Tom Vodanovich put up a double-double while helping lead New Zealand's offense. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--New Zealand is on the verge of sweeping the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window at the Smart Araneta Coliseum here after mauling window host Gilas Pilipinas, 88-63, on Sunday night.

The Tall Blacks asserted their mastery over Gilas, especially in the final three quarters when the former slowly broke away.

Gilas kept in step with the Tall Blacks for most of the first quarter, even taking the lead momentarily, although the latter ended the period ahead, 22-19.

But the Tall Blacks began pulling away in the second quarter, holding Gilas to just 11 points before showing their offensive efficiency in the second half.

Dion Prewster and Tom Vodanovich each scored 20 points for New Zealand, which will cap its stint on Monday with a rematch against India.

Vodanovich also had 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Rob Loe put up his own double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds alongside one assist while putting up a great defense on Ange Kouame.

Thirdy Ravena put up 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block, while Dwight Ramos added 18 points, 10 rebounds, two rebounds, three steals, and three blocks for Gilas, which fell to 1-1 in Group A play.

Gilas will return to action in the mid-year window with rematches against India and New Zealand.

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