Gilas Pilipinas would need to win against Iraq to keep going in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
With their FIBA Asia Cup campaign hanging by a thread, Gilas Pilipinas take the floor against Iraq in a do-or-die battle at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this Saturday, August 9.
Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. (Manila time) as both the Philippines and Iraq, carrying identical 0-2 records in Group D, look to stay alive in the tournament. The winner earns a spot in the qualification to the quarterfinals, where a likely matchup against host Saudi Arabia — the projected no. 2 seed in Group C — awaits.
[RELATED STORY: Justin Brownlee, Gilas shake off loss as win-or-go-home FIBA Asia Cup duel vs Iraq looms]
Gilas is coming off an 86-94 loss to New Zealand, a game where naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee nearly willed the squad to a comeback with 37 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Dwight Ramos provided steady support especially in the second half with 19 points, four boards, and three steals, while June Mar Fajardo bounced back from a quiet outing against Chinese Taipei to finish with 11 points, four rebounds, and an assist.
[ALSO READ: Dwight Ramos credits Pinoy fans in Gilas' 2nd half surge vs New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup]
“We fought back,” Brownlee said after the game. “I've got to give them a lot of credit. I still like the fight in our guys.”
That fight will be tested again against an Iraqi squad reeling from a 60-87 defeat to Chinese Taipei.
Both teams have shown flashes of resilience but have yet to secure a win in the group stage, making this meeting a virtual knockout.
[ALSO READ: Newsome stays hopeful as Gilas in must-win situation vs Iraq: 'We still got a chance’]
For Gilas, the formula is clear: lean on Brownlee’s shot-making, get steady production from its seasoned cagers, and clamp down defensively especially from three-point area to avoid the slow starts that have plagued them in the tournament.
With their Asia Cup hopes on the line, the Philippines will need a complete performance to keep their quarterfinal dream alive.
[ALSO READ: Jordan Ngatai says New Zealand never underestimated Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup win]
The game will be aired live on PBA Rush, RPTV, and Pilipinas Live. It will also be aired later at 9 p.m. on One Sports, and 10:30 p.m. on One Sports+.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Gilas Pilipinas compete at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]