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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Ramos sizzles as Gilas repels Iraq to reach qualification to Asia Cup quarters

Ramos sizzles as Gilas repels Iraq to reach qualification to Asia Cup quarters

Published Aug 9, 2025 05:54 pm  |  Updated Aug 10, 2025 12:34 am

At A Glance

  • Dwight Ramos provided the huge spark that Gilas Pilipinas badly needed to pull away from a hard-fighting Iraq, 66-57, and pick up its first win in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Aug. 9.
Dwight Ramos steps up for Gilas Pilipinas against Iraq. (FIBA Asia)
Dwight Ramos steps up for Gilas Pilipinas against Iraq. (FIBA Asia)
Dwight Ramos provided the huge spark that Gilas Pilipinas badly needed to pull away from a hard-fighting Iraq, 66-57, and pick up its first win in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Aug. 9.
In a contest that saw Justin Brownlee uncharacteristically struggle offensively and miss all of his first eight attempts from the field, Ramos came through and took on the scoring cudgels to fuel a crucial third quarter rally for the Filipinos.
He finished with 21 points – including the back-to-back triples that allowed Gilas to create the much-needed separation and score the breakthrough win that clinched the Filipinos a spot in the crossover qualification for the quarterfinals.
Gilas finished Group D with a 1-2 record and could face either Jordan or Saudi Arabia from Group C for a place in the Magic 8.
After exploding for 37 points the last time out, Brownlee went 0-for-8 in a first half that also saw the Iraqis engage the Filipinos into a dogfight through 33-all.
Brownlee, however, found the perfect time to hit the mark as he helped Gilas to a 22-7 third-quarter scoring. He finished with eight points on a 3-of-12 shooting while also collaring seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.
AJ Edu chipped in nine points and seven rebounds while June Mar Fajardo had six points and seven boards.
Though Gilas came away with the win, the same problems from their first two losses against New Zealand and Chinese Taipei persisted in another forgettable first half for the Filipinos against Iraq.
The Nationals had another slow start which allowed Iraq to lead by six, 18-12, at the end of the first 10 minutes of the contest. Gilas had a better second quarter though the Filipinos had a hard time containing the three-point shooting of Iraq which already buried six at the half.
Ali Ismael and Thulfigar Hammoodi led Iraq with 13 points apiece while Demario Mayfield added 12 points.
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