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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Juan GDL provides offensive punch in defensive duel with Iran

Juan GDL provides offensive punch in defensive duel with Iran

Published Sep 1, 2026 05:17 pm

At A Glance

  • Juan Gomez de Liaño made sure to prove that his breakout performance from last window against New Zealand was far from being a fluke as he once again carried the scoring cudgels for Gilas Pilipinas in a game that was dictated by tough defensive stands.

Juan Gomez de Liaño made sure to prove that his breakout performance from last window against New Zealand was far from being a fluke as he once again carried the scoring cudgels for Gilas Pilipinas in a game that was dictated by tough defensive stands.

The 6-foot-1 guard came alive in the second half and fired 16 points to spearhead Gilas to a 68-56 win over Team Melli and complete a sweep of the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“He was awesome,” said national team head coach Tim Cone who was in good spirits after the big win.

“When we needed that big stretch right there that was when he kinda took over for us and hit some shots,” he added.

Gomez de Liaño’s scoring outburst was reminiscent of his performance in Gilas’ close 106-102 loss against the Tall Blacks when he took charge late in regulation and in the first overtime.

The difference, however, his efforts finally translated into a win for the Nationals.

“I’m happy. Came out with two Ws. I’m so happy for the guys; we played so hard. The entire coaching staff, our teammates. When it comes to FIBA games, every possession counts, and just as Coach Tim said, we’re just trying to value every possession, so I’m just glad we got the W,” said the Converge star.

Cone said he would have played Gomez de Liaño with more minutes but the Gilas playmaker was also given a hard time defending against Mobin Sheikhi, who torched Gilas with 21 points. 

“He was the one who had to chase that little guard around, that's what made him tired. That little guard was tireless. He was going around in circles and we had to chase him all over the place and he kinda wore us out,” said Cone

“But (Gomez de Liaño) was the guy who really stepped up for us in the guard position,” he added

Related Tags

Tim Cone Gilas Pilipinas Juan Gomez de Liano FIBA
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