JEDDAH – Gilas Pilipinas and Iraq came into Saturday’s Group D clash at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 both desperate for a win. But when the Filipinos caught fire in the third quarter, there was no stopping them.
Fueled by a decisive second-half surge, Gilas carved out a 66-57 victory at the King Abdullah Sports City to clinch a spot in the qualification round for the quarterfinals.
“It’s a tough win because both teams were desperate,” said Gilas coach Tim Cone. “We were both 0-2 coming in, so there was a lot riding on this game. We’re just lucky to advance.”
Dwight Ramos spearheaded the charge with 21 points and five rebounds, drilling two of his three three-pointers during a blistering third-quarter stretch that turned the tide.
The Philippines trailed 33-35 early in the second half before Justin Brownlee sank back-to-back triples, followed by another from Calvin Oftana, sparking a 14-2 run. By the time the dust settled, Gilas had built a commanding 55-40 lead.
Iraq, led by Ali Ismael’s 13 points, six rebounds, and three triples, tried to rally in the final quarter. But Oftana’s clutch three-pointer and a Brownlee putback restored a 12-point cushion, 62-50, with 4:32 remaining, effectively sealing the win.
Iraq fell to 0-3 and bowed out of contention, while Gilas kept its Asia Cup campaign alive.
