MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas pulled off one of its most dramatic victories of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, storming back from an 18-point deficit to escape Jordan, 82-81, in overtime on Friday night, August 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The victory was more than another dramatic finish for the national team. It snapped a four-game qualifying losing streak, lifted the Philippines to a 3-4 record in Group E, and kept its increasingly difficult road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup alive.
And on a night when Gilas badly needed someone to deliver, Kai Sotto made his long-awaited national-team return count.
The 7-foot-3 center finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, including the defensive play that ultimately saved the game.
Jordan Nearly Blew Gilas Out Early
The night initially looked headed in the opposite direction.
Jordan came out firing and raced to a 26-8 advantage, eventually taking a 28-14 lead after the opening quarter. The Falcons’ early shooting and offensive execution put Gilas under immediate pressure.
But the Philippines refused to disappear.
Gilas gradually worked its way back into the game, cutting the deficit before halftime and then turning the momentum around after the break.
The comeback became even more difficult when Carl Tamayo suffered an ankle injury early in the third quarter, forcing the coaching staff to adjust its rotation. Kevin Quiambao responded with an aggressive performance as the Philippines continued its rally.
By the end of regulation, the teams were locked at 72-72, sending the crucial Group E encounter into overtime.
CJ Perez Ignites Comeback
While Sotto provided size and presence inside, CJ Perez became one of Gilas’ biggest weapons late in the game.
Perez finished with 16 points, with his biggest contributions coming during the fourth quarter and overtime as the Philippines fought its way back from the brink. FIBA credited Perez with four consecutive points that helped force the game into extra time.
Then came the shot that appeared to have won it.
With the score tied at 79-79, Perez attacked the defense before finding Kevin Quiambao on the wing.
Quiambao buried the three-pointer with 11.7 seconds remaining in overtime, pushing Gilas ahead, 82-79, and sending the Mall of Asia Arena crowd into celebration.
Jordan, however, wasn’t finished.
Freddy Ibrahim converted two free throws to cut the Philippine lead to 82-81. Gilas was then whistled for a five-second violation on the ensuing possession, handing Jordan one final opportunity to steal the game.
Kai Sotto Says No
Jordan put the ball in the hands of Abdullah Olajuwon for the potential game-winner.
Olajuwon attacked the basket.
Waiting for him was Sotto.
The Filipino big man rejected the attempt as time expired, sealing the 82-81 victory and triggering a celebration inside the arena.
It was an emphatic ending to Sotto’s return to Gilas after nearly two years away from the men’s national team.
Alongside Sotto’s 18-point, 14-rebound performance, Perez contributed 16 points, while Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao scored 14 points apiece. AJ Edu added nine points and 11 rebounds.
For Jordan, Freddy Ibrahim led the way with 22 points, Jalen Harris scored 19, and Olajuwon finished with 17.
Gilas Wins Without Justin Brownlee
Making the comeback even more significant was the absence of naturalized star Justin Brownlee.
Brownlee did not suit up for Window 4 after telling the Gilas coaching staff that he was not yet healthy enough to contribute following health and injury issues.
Coach Tim Cone consequently entered the Jordan and Iran games with an all-Filipino lineup.
Against Jordan, that local lineup found just enough offense — and one enormous defensive stop — to survive.
Why the Win Matters
Gilas entered the second round carrying a 2-4 record, leaving very little room for further defeats.
The win improved the Philippines to 3-4, while Jordan slipped to 5-2. Iran and New Zealand also stood at 5-2 following New Zealand’s 93-91 overtime victory over Iran, while unbeaten Australia moved to 7-0.
That means Gilas remains outside the automatic qualification positions despite Friday night’s breakthrough.
Under the 2027 Asian Qualifiers format, the top three teams from each second-round group plus the best fourth-placed team qualify for the World Cup, in addition to host Qatar, which is automatically qualified. Results from the opening round are carried into the second round.
So while beating Jordan kept the Philippines alive, it did not remove the danger.
The margin for error remains extremely thin.
Iran Is Next — And the Stakes Get Even Higher
Gilas returns to the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, August 30, for another crucial Group E showdown against Iran.
Iran enters the matchup after suffering a painful 93-91 overtime loss to New Zealand, making the game important for both countries’ qualification campaigns.
For Gilas, another victory could turn what had been a fading qualification campaign into a legitimate comeback story.
A loss, however, would make the remaining road considerably harder.
The Philippines already proved against Jordan that an 18-point deficit can disappear.
Now comes the bigger challenge:
Can Gilas erase the deficit in the World Cup standings, too?
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