Gilas Pilipinas saved its best for the final minutes, turning a tight game into a 68-56 victory over Iran on Sunday night to strengthen its bid for a fourth consecutive FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance.
The Philippines improved to 4-4 in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers after completing a crucial Window 4 sweep at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Kai Sotto, Juan Gomez de Liaño and Dwight Ramos led the late surge, while AJ Edu anchored the defense as Gilas pulled away in the closing minutes.
Sotto posted a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Gomez de Liaño and Ramos each scored 16 points, while Edu added eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Nationals again had to recover from a slow opening, falling behind 7-18 after the first quarter.
Gilas found its rhythm in the second period, outscoring Iran 29-16 to take a 36-34 halftime lead.
Iran stayed within striking distance after the break and tied the game at 54 on Mohammad Amini’s layup with 7:20 remaining.
Ramos responded with a three-pointer that restored the Philippines’ lead at 57-54 with more than six minutes left.
Gilas then clamped down on defense and limited Iran to just two points in the closing stretch while scoring 11 of its own to secure the win.
The victory followed the Philippines’ 82-81 overtime win over Jordan on Friday, giving Gilas a 2-0 record in Window 4.
Australia remains atop Group E at 8-0, followed by New Zealand at 6-2. Iran and Jordan are both 5-3, while Syria sits at 2-6.
The second round of the Asia-Oceania qualifiers features the top 12 teams divided into two groups of six. The top three teams in each group, along with the best fourth-place team, will earn spots in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Host Qatar already has a guaranteed berth.
Gilas will return to qualifying action in Window 5 from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1 before the final window runs from Feb. 2 to March 2, 2027.
The Philippines is scheduled to face Syria and Iran in its remaining qualifying games as it continues its push for another World Cup appearance.
Photo courtesy of FIBA Basketball
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