There was a double delight for New Zealand on Sunday at a sold out Spark Arena with the Tall Blacks defeating the Philippines 87 and Corey Webster celebrating his 100th game in the black singlet.
The Tall Blacks suffered a 93-89 loss against the Gilas in February but led by a career equaling 25 points from Tohi-Smith-Milner avenged that defeat in style.
Webster shot an efficient 5 from 9 for his 14 points while there were other key contributions from Reuben Te Rangi (12 points and 9 rebounds), Jordan Ngatai (11 points). Point guard Taylor Britt had arguably his best game in a black singlet adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists to 8 points while Tai Wynyard (7 points and 4 rebounds) complimented Smith-Milner with aplomb in a front court missing the services of the injured Sam Waardenburg.
Despite being undermanned amongst the forward New Zealand won the rebounding count 45-42 and held their opponents to 27 from 72 (38%) from the floor while converting at 44% (30/69) themselves.
There was also a notable difference from beyond the arc where New Zealand shot 39% (13/33) compared with 21% ((6/29) from the visitors.
The victory ensured that the Tall Blacks finished top of Group B at the conclusion of their Asia Cup Qualifying campaign ensuring a top six seeding at the FIBA Asia Cup in August.
Smith-Milner opened the scoring with an arching three and Webster scored with his opening shot as the hosts forged an 18-9 lead – Smith-Milner with three triples in the opening frame as the Tall Blacks won the period 30-15.
The Philippines scored the first 4 points after the resumption and although Webster answered with a triple the visitors narrowed the deficit to 8 points at the six minute mark in the period.
Smith-Milner, after making his fourth effort from beyond the arc, was forced to the bench after picking up a third foul – a pair of Taylor Britt jump shots restoring the Tall Blacks double figure lead. The Tall Blacks outscored the Gilas 10-2 over the closing minutes to carry momentum and a 53-33 lead into the half-time break.
Spearheaded by Smith-Milner (4/6) and Ngatai (2/5) the Tall Blacks shot 10 from 19 from beyond the arc with the Filipinos restricted to 2 from 11 from deep and 13 from 34 overall in the half.
A pair of technical fouls picked up by the Philippines, much to the consternation of coach Tim Cone, helped the Tall Blacks cause – their lead close to thirty after a Te Rangi score.
The volume of support from the Philippines fans increased markedly as their team reduced the deficit to 19 points (74-55) ahead of the final quarter.
Gilas Pilipinas scored the opening points of the final period and were within 11 points with 6 minutes to play before scores from Webster and Kaia Isaac necessitated a time out from the visitors.
Livewire guard Chris Newsome raised the Philippines hopes with a couple of baskets but the Tall Blacks weathered the storm to close out a deserved victory while also providing playing time and second caps for Tama Isaac and Jackson Ball with .
Tall Blacks 87 – Smith Milner 25pts & 9 rebounds, Webster 14pts, Te Rangi 12pts & 9rebs, Ngatai 11pts, Britt 8pts
Philippines 70 – Newsome 13pts, Fajardo 11pts, Brownlee 10pts
Tall Blacks Results– Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025
22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69
25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland): WON 88-49
21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away): LOST 89-93
25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): WON 81-64
20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away) WON 92-51
23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (Spark Arena, Auckland) WON 87-70
5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
