Gilas Pilipinas' quarterfinal hopes are still up after finally logging a win against Iraq for third in Group D of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah.
Gilas Pilipinas finally ended their misery as they claimed their first win at the expense of Iraq, 66-57, to stay in the hunt for a quarterfinal spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Saturday, Aug. 9. (Manila time).
Gilas hit its mark from three-point range in the third quarter, with Dwight Ramos knocking down back-to-back treys to key their breakaway in the frame.
Ramos' threes shattered a 35-all count, then Justin Brownlee and Chris Newsome also hit triples of their own to help the squad build a 53-37 advantage which they protected to the finish.
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Ramos spearheaded the Nationals with 21 points on a 7-for-14 clip he laced with five rebounds, an assist and a steal in nearly 36 minutes on the floor.
Though the Filipinos dropped their games against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand in Group D play, they finally broke through just when they needed it the most.
Gilas will play the No. 2 seed in Group C to dispute the berth in the Last Eight.