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| Sam Waardenburg scores on a posterizer against Brandon Gilbeck. FIBA |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas formally clinched a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup after New Zealand took down Chinese Taipei, 81-64, on Monday at the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The result ensured that a possible three-way tie at 4-2 would not happen and Gilas will be inside the Top 2 for Group B at the end of the qualifiers.
The Tall Blacks survived a second-quarter scare from the Taiwanese squad as they successfully defended their homecourt four nights after they were stunned by Gilas in Pasay.
New Zealand looked poised to blow out Chinese Taipei early on after racing to a 23-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
However, Chinese Taipei came alive late in the second period, closing the first half on a 15-4 run to cut the lead to five, 37-32, at halftime.
The game remained tight in the third quarter until New Zealand exploded for 29 points in the fourth to pull away for good.
Sam Waardenburg led New Zealand, which moved up to 3-1, with 16 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, one block, and one steal.
Shea Ili, one of two players added to the pool at the last minute due to the injuries of Max Darling and Sam Mennenga, added 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
Former Converge import Tom Vodanovich made 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals to once again lead the Tall Blacks' second unit.
Mohammad Gadiaga put up 14 points and three rebounds for Chinese Taipei, which dropped to 1-3.
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