Gilas repels Iraq to keep FIBA Asia Cup hopes alive

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After three tries, the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team finally notched its first win of the tournament.

In a must-win game against Iraq, the Filipinos delivered with a 66-57 victory on Aug. 9, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reviving their FIBA Asia Cup playoff hopes.

A sluggish start again proved costly early, as Iraq surprised Gilas with efficient three-point shooting in the first half.

What many expected to be a one-sided game turned into a tight contest, with Iraq holding a slim advantage at halftime.

It took two quarters for Gilas to find its rhythm, but a dominant third period turned the tide.

From a two-point deficit, Gilas locked down defensively, holding Iraq to just seven points in the quarter.

The Filipinos’ 1-2-2 closeout zone stifled Iraq’s shooters, sparking a decisive 22-2 run led by Dwight Ramos for a 55-37 lead.

After that surge, Gilas maintained a double-digit cushion until the final buzzer.

Ramos finished with a game-high 21 points and five rebounds, scoring 10 points in just two minutes during the third-quarter run.

His outburst came at a crucial time as Justin Brownlee, who scored 37 points in the loss to New Zealand, was limited to eight — his lowest output of the tournament.

AJ Edu added nine points, seven rebounds, and three steals in a strong all-around performance.

The win set up a qualification knockout match against Saudi Arabia on Aug. 12, with the winner advancing to the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals.