Gilas Pilipinas swept its pair of tune-up games ahead of the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers after routing the Franklin Bulls, 94-66, on Tuesday, June 30, in New Zealand.

Playing without Justin Brownlee and Mike Phillips, the nationals led by as many as 31 points, with Carl Tamayo pacing the team with 22 points, while Dwight Ramos added 19.

It was Gilas’ second straight tune-up victory after defeating the Manawatu Jets, 92-61, on Sunday, June 28.

The Filipinos raced to a 10-3 start and eventually took a 32-19 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Gilas’ 13-point halftime advantage only grew in the second half, capping off a convincing victory heading into its final two first-round assignments in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Philippines will face New Zealand on Friday, July 3 at 3:00 p.m., before flying to Australia to take on the Boomers on July 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Gilas head coach Tim Cone previously expressed confidence as the Nationals prepare to take on two of FIBA Asia’s basketball powerhouses once again.

“We’ve been a team that’s pulled off surprises before, so I’m not going to be surprised if we pull off another one,” said Cone, whose squad stunned Latvia and New Zealand in 2024.

And for Cone, quality tune-up games like these are exactly what Gilas needs to put itself in position for another statement victory.

“That’s really good preparation for us. I’ve always said that a prepared team is a confident team, and if we’re confident, that’s going to show in our games,” said Cone. (ABS-CBN News)