Gilas Pilipinas made an impressive August run after delivering back-to-back hard-fought victories against Jordan and Iran at the FIBA Qualifiers Window 4. After the consecutive wins, hopes were reignited for the Nationals to make their shot at the FIBA World Cup 2027.
The two games showcased key moments of grit and composure that shaped a memorable stretch for the Nationals, turning its victory into something worth looking back on.
Gripping Showdown Against Jordan
In its first August matchup, Gilas Pilipinas stunned Jordan, 81-82, marking their first win on the FIBA Qualifiers. Jordan built an early 18-point lead, yet Gilas found its rhythm and mounted a furious comeback, forcing overtime after drawing a 72-72.
The extended period saw the composure of the Nationals until the final minutes of the game. Kevin Quiambao hit a clutch triple, followed by Kai Sotto stepping up with a game-saving block in the last seconds, leading to a final 82-81 win. Throughout the match, Sotto led with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while other key players Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, and AJ Edu anchored Gilas to the much-awaited victory.
A Statement Sweep for Gilas
Following Gilas’ survival over Jordan, the team quickly geared up for another challenge in facing Iran. Gilas had a sluggish performance in the opening quarter and slowly battled their way back with strong defense and timely scoring. The team then made a complete sweep, defeating Iran with a 68-56 victory.
Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomes de Liaño made a major impact with 16 points each, alongside Kai Sotto’s 13-point and 16-rebound performance. Moreover, Gilas’ win marked an even 4-4 record, leaving the team more driven for the next games ahead.
After a dramatic two-game sweep, Gilas Pilipinas looks to keep their qualifying campaign alive in pursuit of securing a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Window 5 is set to take place from November 23 to December 1, with Window 6 scheduled from February 2 to March 2, 2027