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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s basketball team bounced back from two straight setbacks with a 95-77 rout of New Zealand club Super City Rangers Wednesday (Manila time).
Cheered on by a crowd full of Filipinos in the St. Kentigern’s gym in Auckland, Smart Gilas Pilipinas dominated the hometown Rangers.
“Big win tonight vs the Rangers. Thanks to all the Pinoys here on Auckland who came out and supported,” said assistant coach Josh Reyes on his Instagram account.
The nationals are coming off a 96-100 setback to Wellington, and an 85-86 defeat to a National Basketball League (NBL) select team.
The victory, its third of the trip thus far, helps Smart Gilas Pilipinas for its toughest match yet in their 10-day training camp against the New Zealand national team Tall Blacks on Thursday.