Gilas finally wins a game in FIBA Asia Cup to keep bid alive
In a thrilling conclusion to the group stage, Gilas Pilipinas secured a much-needed victory in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, edging past Iraq with a final score of 66-57 on Saturday afternoon (Manila time) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
With this win, the Philippines kept its hopes alive in the regional tournament, earning a spot in the quarterfinal qualifications, while Iraq unfortunately exits the competition.
Dwight Ramos was the standout performer for the Nationals, showcasing his scoring prowess with 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Justin Brownlee, fresh off a remarkable 37-point display against New Zealand in the previous game, faced a tough outing, contributing only eight points on a challenging 3-of-12 from the field, alongside seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Iraq, undeterred by the deficit, staged a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just seven points, 50-57, following a three-pointer from Thulfiqar Hammoodi with 6:26 remaining in the game.
However, the Nationals responded emphatically, igniting the offense with a crucial three-pointer by Calvin Oftana, complemented by a putback from Brownlee and a layup from Ramos to stretch the lead back to a comfortable 64-50.
A significant concern for the Philippines emerged as sharpshooter Oftana, already battling calf and groin injuries along with ailments in both ankles during the PBA Philippine Cup finals, appeared to twist his ankle and left the game in visible distress with 3:19 left on the clock.
The contest was knotted at halftime, 33-all, thanks to Gilas’ resilience in overcoming an early deficit. The team’s third-quarter surge saw them firing on all cylinders, establishing a commanding 18-point lead at one point, 55-37.
Despite their efforts, Iraq made a late push that brought them within striking distance, but the Nationals held firm to secure the win. AJ Edu provided solid support to Ramos with 11 points and seven rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo and Carl Tamayo added six points apiece.
On the opposing side, Hammoodi and Ali Ismael led Iraq with 13 points each, with Demario Mayfield contributing 12 points.
Ultimately, Gilas concluded the group stage with a 1-2 record, having faced narrow losses to both Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in their earlier outings. The stage is set for an exciting path forward as the Nationals aim to build on this crucial victory.
The scores:
Philippines 66 – Ramos 21, Edu 9, Brownlee 8, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 6, Newsome 4, Quiambao 4, Perez 3, Oftana 3, Aguilar 2, Thompson 0.
Iraq 57 – Hammoodi 13, Ismael 13, Mayfield 12, Al-Zuhairi 8, Abdullah 5, Al-Khafaji 4, Alibraheemi 2, Abbas 0, Al-Musawi 0, Nahi 0, Alqarnawi 0, Abdul Allah 0.
Quarters: 12-18, 33-33, 55-40, 66-57.
