MANILA, Philippines — Lastly, a win for Gilas Pilipinas within the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
Gilas needed to struggle off a livid rally by Iraq however recovered simply in time to drag out a 66-57 victory within the remaining recreation of the group section Saturday afternoon (Manila time) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines thus remained alive within the regional match because it punched a ticket to the {qualifications} to the quarterfinals. Then again, Iraq is booted out of the competitors.
Dwight Ramos powered the Nationals with 21 factors on 7-of-14 capturing. Justin Brownlee, who got here off a 37 level efficiency towards New Zealand in Gilas’ final recreation, struggled mightily within the contest, ending with simply eight factors on a 3-of-12 clip with seven rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
After trailing by as a lot as 18 factors, Iraq sliced the deficit to only seven, 50-57, with 6:26 remaining after a 3-pointer by Thulfiqar Hammoodi.
However a 3-pointer by Calvin Oftana, in addition to a putback by Brownlee and a layup by Ramos gave the Nationals an insurmountable 64-50 lead.
An added level of concern for the Philippines, although, is the standing of sharpshooter Oftana.
Already nursing accidents to his calf and groin, in addition to each of his ankles again within the PBA Philippine Cup finals, the ahead seemingly tripped and exited the sport with 3:19 left, screaming in ache as he held his ankle.
The sport was tied on the half, 33-all, as Gilas stormed again from an early deficit.
They turned issues up a notch within the third quarter, dropping bombs as they led by as a lot as 18 factors, 55-37.
The Philippines saved its distance all through the sport till Iraq’s run that pulled them inside single digits.
AJ Edu backstopped Ramos with 11 factors and 7 rebounds. June Mar Fajardo and Carl Tamayo chipped in six apiece for the profitable group.
Hammoodi and Ali Ismael sparked Iraq with 13 markers apiece. Demario Mayfield added 12.
Gilas completed the group stage with a 1-2 win-loss file. They beforehand absorbed shut defeats towards Chinese language Taipei and New Zealand.