Gilas Pilipinas earned their place in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after a hard-fought 66-57 win over Iraq in Group D action at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Dwight Ramos led the way with 21 points, five rebounds, and three triples, while AJ Edu anchored the defense with nine points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Iraq’s Ali Ismael paced his side with 13 points and six boards, but their 0-3 record ended their campaign.

Slow start, key adjustments

Iraq started strong, drilling three triples in the opening quarter while the Philippines struggled with missed shots and early foul trouble for Edu and Chris Newsome. Justin Brownlee was held scoreless early as Iraq took an 18-12 lead after the first period. Carl Tamayo sparked Gilas in the second quarter with back-to-back threes, followed by CJ Perez’s energy and Kevin Quiambao’s alley-oop finish. Ramos tied the game at 33-all with a clutch triple before halftime.

Third-quarter surge seals the deal

After a basket from Iraq’s Demario Mayfield, the Philippines unleashed a 22-5 run in the third quarter. Ramos hit back-to-back threes, Brownlee connected from deep, and Edu’s rim protection fueled fast-break chances. Newsome’s three and Brownlee’s putback capped the run, giving Gilas a 55-40 lead entering the final frame. Iraq mounted a brief rally with two triples from Thulfiqar Hamoodi, but Calvin Oftana’s three and Brownlee’s offensive board shut the door. Ramos’ reverse layup in the final minutes sealed the 66-57 win.

Coach Tim Cone praised his team’s resilience, noting their ability to recover from Iraq’s hot start and maintain composure in the closing stretch. With the win, the Philippines improved to 1-2 and advanced to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals, while Iraq exited winless despite showing flashes of fight.