Gilas Beats Iraq, Books Place in FIBA Asia Cup Playoffs
The game was tight early, with both teams locked at 33-all by halftime. But Gilas held its composure and pulled away in the second half against the 92nd-ranked Iraq squad.
The victory placed the Philippines third in Group D with a 1-2 record, setting up a playoff match against the second placer in Group C, which includes China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and India.
Ramos spearheaded the win with 21 points, including three three-pointers, providing the spark Gilas needed to advance.
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Khaleej Times
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Justin Brownlee once again came to Gilas Pilipinas' rescue, steering the team into the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals with another clutch performance. The seasoned forward, known for delivering in high-pressure moments, pulled off yet another impressive act — drilling a crucial three-pointer with just 3.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, giving the game an extended period. His heroics allowed the Philippines to score a thrilling 95-88 win over host Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday (August 11). According to a report by Brownlee finished with 29 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, sealing the Philippines' ticket to a quarterfinal clash against two-time defending champions Australia. For much of the final quarter, Saudi Arabia seemed destined for victory, holding a 77-71 advantage with 1 minute and 30 seconds left. But the hosts unravelled in the closing stretch as Gilas stormed back with an 8-2 run, six of those points courtesy of Brownlee. Saudi Arabia still held a 79-76 lead after Mohammed Alsuwailem narrowly beat the shot block with a putback with 8.4 seconds left, but Brownlee answered by shaking free from Marzouq Almuwallad and hitting the game-tying trey. With momentum firmly on their side, the Filipinos dominated overtime, outscoring the Saudis 16-9 to reach the quarterfinals three years after missing the final eight in the 2022 edition. Rising stars AJ Edu and Kevin Quiambao played key supporting roles. Edu tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Quiambao added 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Both delivered timely long-range bombs in the extra frame — Quiambao hitting two triples in a 12-2 burst that gave Gilas a 90-81 lead, and Edu burying the dagger from deep for a 93-84 cushion in the final minute. Along with their offensive flurry, Gilas clinched the win by shutting down Saudi Arabia's main threats, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem, when it mattered most.
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6 days ago
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Iraq coach lauds Gilas Pilipinas after FIBA Asia Cup loss
Despite bowing to Gilas Pilipinas, Iraq head coach Veselin Matic had nothing but praise for the Philippine squad competing in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The Philippines scored a 66–57 win over Iraq in the group stage on Saturday, securing a spot in the qualification to the quarterfinals. Iraq, which started strong with an 18–12 lead in the first quarter, eventually faltered as Gilas pulled away in the third period, sealing the win and eliminating the Iraqi team from contention. Matic attributed the result to the Philippines' experience. 'I know for a long time, this team of the Philippines… all these players, they are superstars over there. And that is when the championship [experience is] coming, they are coming with a superstar. I'm sure that the Philippines is improving [by] playing hard games, that will help them in the future,' Matic said. 'For me, the Philippines is [a] top four or top six team here,' he added. Looking ahead, Matic said he hopes Iraq can improve by competing in more international tournaments, such as the Jones Cup. Iraq is currently ranked 92nd in the world by FIBA.
Filipino Times
09-08-2025
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Gilas Beats Iraq, Books Place in FIBA Asia Cup Playoffs
Dwight Ramos delivered a stellar performance to help Gilas Pilipinas defeat Iraq, 66-57, earning the team its first win in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 and securing a place in the playoffs. The match took place Saturday at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, wrapping up the group phase. The game was tight early, with both teams locked at 33-all by halftime. But Gilas held its composure and pulled away in the second half against the 92nd-ranked Iraq squad. The victory placed the Philippines third in Group D with a 1-2 record, setting up a playoff match against the second placer in Group C, which includes China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and India. Ramos spearheaded the win with 21 points, including three three-pointers, providing the spark Gilas needed to advance.
