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Members of the Philippine basketball community gathered at Gameville Central Park to cheer on Gilas Pilipinas as they took on New Zealand in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 3.
The GAME Huddle returned with a full-circle moment after hosting another Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand match.
Fans, creators, personalities, and members of the Philippine basketball community gathered at Gameville Central Park on Friday, July 3, to rally behind Gilas Pilipinas as they faced the Tall Blacks in Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Powered by CLEAR, the event brought together supporters from different backgrounds for an afternoon built around one shared passion that is basketball. From the moment attendees arrived, the energy inside the venue was undeniable.
A Community United Behind Gilas Pilipinas
The program officially began with opening remarks from Modern Media Group Inc. COO Anne Bernisca, who reflected on the significance of the occasion.
Bernisca shared that the very first edition of The GAME Huddle was also centered around a Gilas Pilipinas matchup against New Zealand, making this latest gathering a true full circle moment for the community. She also emphasized how sports, and basketball in particular, continue to bring Filipinos together.
“If there’s one thing that unites Filipinos, it’s basketball. It’s sports,” Bernisca shared, as she encouraged everyone in attendance to rally behind the national team.
The GAME Chief of Editorial Content Sid Ventura then addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of the matchup for Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign. With both teams entering the contest with identical records, he emphasized how crucial a victory would be for the national team’s chances moving forward.
The remarks set the tone for the evening as fans came together with one goal in mind and that is to cheer on Gilas Pilipinas.
‘Puso’ Throughout The Game
As the game tipped off, the energy inside the venue intensified.
Fans were treated to an instant classic as Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand battled through a thrilling double-overtime matchup that had everyone inside the venue on the edge of their seats. Every basket, stop, and momentum swing was met with loud cheers and anxious reactions from the crowd.
The young stars of the lineup, Juan Gomez de Liano, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo led the way for Gilas Pilipinas in a performance that showcased the team’s heart and resilience. Despite the final result, the competitiveness of the game proved that the gap in international rankings was nowhere to be seen on the court.
Quiambao delivered an outstanding performance, while Gomez de Liano knocked down crucial three-pointers during crunch time. Both of them dropped 23 points each, while Ramos chipped in 18, and Tamayo added 17.
Ultimately, New Zealand’s key offensive rebounds proved to be the difference in the closely contested affair. The game finished with a final score of 106-102 in favor of New Zealand.
A Full Circle Moment for The GAME Huddle
In a fitting twist, the very first edition of The GAME Huddle also featured a matchup between Gilas Pilipinas and the Tall Blacks. This time, the two nations met once again, creating a full circle moment for The GAME and its growing community.
Regardless of the outcome, The GAME Huddle once again showed how basketball continues to unite Filipinos. Fans from different backgrounds shared every celebration, tense moment, and cheer as they rallied behind the national team together.
The event served as a reminder that basketball is more than just a game, it’s a community built through shared experiences, unwavering support, and the pride of cheering for the Philippines.
As Gilas Pilipinas continues its FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign, The GAME remains committed to creating spaces where Filipino sports fans can celebrate the moments that make sports truly special.
Images from Ed Simon/KLIQ Inc.
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