MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas completed a perfect fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, pulling away in the fourth quarter to dispatch Iran, 68-56, on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Juan Gomez de Liaño spearheaded the Philippines’ second straight victory with a game-high 16 points, bouncing back emphatically after going scoreless in Gilas’ thrilling 82-81 overtime triumph over Jordan on Friday.
The Converge FiberXers rookie guard knocked down two three-pointers and added three rebounds, an assist and a steal as the Filipinos improved their record to 4-4 in the qualifiers.
Dwight Ramos also finished with 16 points and stuffed the stat sheet with seven rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block, while Kai Sotto imposed his presence in the paint with a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds.
June Mar Fajardo, playing what could be his final game for the national team, contributed six points and two rebounds while going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Iran seized the early initiative, but Gilas recovered behind Gomez de Liaño, Ramos and Fajardo to turn the game around in the second quarter and take a slim 36-34 advantage into halftime.
The Iranians stayed within striking distance after the break, but the Filipinos finally broke the game open in the fourth period as Ramos, Gomez de Liaño and Sotto delivered crucial plays on both ends.
Gilas ultimately stretched the margin to double digits and shut the door on an Iran comeback to complete its back-to-back victories in the qualifying window.
“Both games we were down at the start, but we were able to come back. It only shows our fighting spirit,” Ramos said.
Mobin Sheikhi paced Iran with 21 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, but his effort was not enough to prevent the Iranians from suffering their second consecutive defeat and slipping to 5-3 in the qualifiers./PN
