Metro Manila, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas opened the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a thrilling 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Philippine men’s national basketball team overcame a double-digit deficit in the first half to secure the come from behind victory.
The Jordanians built an early 18-point lead before taking a 28-14 advantage after the opening frame. They led the game for majority of the contest, while Gilas was ahead for just under five minutes, according to statistics on the FIBA website.
Kai Sotto marked his return to Gilas Pilipinas with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. He also came up with the game-saving block on Jordan’s Abdullah Olajuwon to preserve the victory.
Kevin Quiambao also played a key role in the fightback. The former La Salle star finished with 14 points, including the go-ahead basket in overtime.
CJ Perez came up clutch for the nationals at the end of regulation as he willed the game into overtime. He finished with 16 points and five rebounds.
The win snapped Gilas’ four-game losing streak following defeats to New Zealand and Australia.
The Philippines improved to 3-4 but remains outside the top three in the group. Jordan dropped to 5-2 and is now tied with Iran and New Zealand.
Gilas had to dig deep without star naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who is out with an injury.
The victory gives the Philippines a crucial boost as it continues its bid to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
