LAST Aug. 28, the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena became the stage for one of Gilas Pilipinas’ most dramatic comebacks at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers Window Four match. Facing an 18-point deficit against Jordan, the Filipinos rallied together to steal an 82-81 overtime victory.

It took an all-out team effort, a furious second-half comeback, and a towering Kai Sotto block for Gilas Pilipinas to finally break through.

NO JB? NO PROBLEM

Playing without naturalized star and the team’s forward, Justin Brownlee, who remains sidelined by injuries, Gilas Pilipinas fell behind by 18 points before rallying to defeat Jordan, 82-81 in an overtime game last Aug. 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Christian Jaymar “CJ” Perez sparked the comeback after being held scoreless in the first half, finishing with 16 points. Kai Sotto led Gilas with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while  Dwight Ramos, and Kevin Quiambao each added 14 points. 

Quiambao delivered the go-ahead three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in overtime, giving the Philippines an 82-81 lead. 

Gilas also tightened its defense in the second half, limiting Jordan’s offensive threats, namely Jalen Harris, Freddie Ibrahim, and Abdullah Olajuwon. Scottie Thompson contributed one point, six rebounds, and one steal in nearly 29 minutes, while helping limit Freddie Ibrahim to three points in the second half. 

PUSO

Quiambao’s three-pointer put Gilas ahead late in overtime before Sotto blocked Jordan’s final attempt with a game-saving block on Olajuwon. Sotto finished his return with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. 

“Na-miss ko yung magsuot ng Pilipinas jersey and makalaro ulit ‘yung teammates ko and makapaglaro sa home crowd and mapanood ng mga mahal ko sa buhay, so sobrang blessed ‘ko ngayon,” Sotto expressed in a post-game interview with One Sports PH.

Still, the victory came at a cost. Carl Tamayo suffered a left ankle sprain early in the second half, leaving his availability for Sunday’s crucial clash against Iran uncertain. 

The Philippines will face Iran on Aug. 30, as it looks to build on the comeback victory.

“Mas motivated lang din ako na maglaro ngayon na manalo para sa bansa natin,” he added.