No break for Gilas ahead of clash with powerhouse New Zealand

After bucking a slow start to eventually run away with an 88-64 victory against India on Friday night, the Gilas Pilipinas national team will head right back to work as they prepare for a powerhouse team in New Zealand.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said they won't rest on their laurels despite sitting atop Group A with a 2-0 card, tied with their next opponent and world no. 27 New Zealand, with whom they will slug it out on Sunday.

"I think we have to relish the opportunity to be tested against really great competition. And that's the thinking, the mindset that we're going to take into Sunday's ballgame," Reyes said following a solid win against India in front of a home crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

"As for break, no, we're not gonna take a break. I mean, we were prepared to play four games in five days here so we're not going to take any days off."

New Zealand is a familiar foe for the Philippines.

The Tall Blacks and Gilas last played against each other during the 2016 Rio Olympic Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Obviously more experienced, New Zealand eked out an 89-80 victory against the hosts.

New Zealand has also appeared in the FIBA World Cup for five straight editions.

"We've played New Zealand in the past. We know the style of play, the style of game that they play," noted Reyes.

"From time to time, they change players but the style remains the same. They're very tough, they're very physical, and we have to be ready for that."

Gilas Pilipinas and the Tall Blacks will square off on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Big Dome.

Sunday's match, however, won't be the last time that the two countries will face each other in the near future as they are both pooled in Group D of the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup this July in Jakarta, Indonesia.

—JMB, GMA News