It has been a turbulent begin for Gilas Pilipinas on the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after two consecutive robust defeats thrusted them in full survival mode.
Gilas Pilipinas staged late rallies towards Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, solely to fall brief each occasions, sliding to 0-2 in Group D and right into a must-win showdown with fellow struggling group Iraq.
However with their backs towards the wall, Gilas answered the decision and leaned on Dwight Ramos’ breakout efficiency to overpower Iraq and breathe new life into their marketing campaign after a 66-57 win on Saturday night time.
It was an enormous win for Gilas, securing their spot within the quarterfinal qualification spherical, however extra importantly, head coach Tim Cone stated it reignited the boldness that they had misplaced after their early defeats.
“It was a troublesome one as a result of each groups have been actually determined for the win as a result of we’re each 0-2 and each wish to advance, so there was plenty of desperation in that basketball sport,” Cone stated.
“It was a giant win for us, any win at this level is gonna be a giant one for us as a result of we wish to get one beneath our belt. We wanted to have a win to form of rekindle our confidence, I believe, so we’re comfortable to be transferring on.”
Gilas held Iraq in verify by way of the primary two quarters, heading into halftime locked in a 33-all impasse.
Ramos then got here out firing within the third quarter, burying a pair of three-pointers earlier than finishing a three-point play that pushed the Philippines’ result in 10, 47-37.
Ramos’ eruption fueled the remainder of the crew with AJ Edu, Chris Newsome, and Brownlee all discovering their touches to assist Gilas cruise to a 55-37 lead — their greatest within the sport — earlier than ending the third body up by 15, 55-40.
Gilas struggled within the fourth, permitting Iraq to pour in 17 factors whereas managing solely 11 of their very own. Nonetheless, the ultimate baskets from Calvin Oftana, Brownlee, and Ramos have been sufficient to shut out the grind-out victory.
Ramos echoed Cone’s sentiments, saying the nine-point victory lifted their spirits up following two slim losses to Chinese language Taipei and New Zealand.
“We wanted that win to offer us confidence. We’re feeling down a little bit bit the final couple of video games we’ve been dropping so this one kinda rises our spirits,” stated Ramos, who posted 21 factors and 5 rebounds.
“It was robust to start with, they’re making their pictures however as soon as we tightened up the protection and performed a little bit bit extra in management, I believe we’re in a position to stretch the lead there.”
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information
