New Zealand escaped with a tense 69-66 road victory over the Philippines in a FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifier on February 26, 2026. In a fiercely contested battle in Manila, the Tall Blacks held off a late Filipino rally to secure a precious win in a hostile environment. The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams finding points hard to come by. New Zealand managed to build a small but persistent lead through the third quarter, thanks to their methodical half-court offense and tough interior defense. The Philippines, spurred on by their passionate home crowd, mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes, closing the gap to a single possession. However, New Zealand's composure at the free-throw line in the closing seconds sealed the narrow three-point victory, a crucial result in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.