Christian Standhardinger provided the spark, while Terrence added more steam as Gilas Pilipinas struck down Iraq, 84-68, on Friday night in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium, Zouk Mosbeh in Beirut, Lebanon.
The six-foot-seven Filipino German made 16 points, including seven crucial ones in the third period that touched off a big scoring run that helped send Gilas to its second straight win in Group B.
With the victory, which came two days after a 97-86 stomping of China, put the Philippines in the quarterfinals.
With the count tied at 35-all, the 6’7 Standhardinger and Romeo led a decisive 21-0 blast that decided Gilas’ fate.
He drilled in a trio of jumpshots in the last 6:51 to put Team Pilipinas ahead, 44-35.
Then Romeo, who led with 17 points, took over.
Romeo chipped in eight points, including a triple and two charities that put Gilas way out of reach, 56-35, with 2:25 to go.
Gilas became the first team to reach the quarterfinals playoffs.
Their rival for a semifinals slot will come from Group A.
So far, Iran is the top candidate following its 101-54 smothering of India.
Iran’s fate will be known pending the results of its game against Syria and Jordan.
Naturalized player Kevin Galloway led Iraq with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists but was held scoreless in the face of the Gilas’ explosive run in the third quarter.
The Philippines wraps up the Group stage with a game against winless Qatar on Sunday.