John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787926173576Media (11).jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Gilas Pilipinas’ Kai Sotto in action against Jordan in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News </div>MANILA (UPDATED) — Gilas Pilipinas opened the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a thrilling victory.With the backing of a loud and ecstatic crowd, the Philippine men’s national basketball team escaped Jordan in an overtime thriller, 82-81, for a much-needed win on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.The Philippines has reentered the winning column, breaking a four-game slump after losses to New Zealand and Australia in the previous windows.Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, and CJ Perez took turns in helping Gilas, making the crucial plays in the clutch for the slim win.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/28/kai-sotto-returns-to-gilas-duty-as-ph-faces-jordan-iran-in-world-cup-qualifiers-0002">READ: Kai Sotto returns to Gilas duty as PH faces Jordan, Iran in World Cup qualifiers</a></div>It was Quiambao who gave the Filipino ballers the upper hand late in overtime, 82-79, with a clutch trey, 11.7 seconds left off an unselfish pass from Perez.They almost fumbled their advantage after a crucial five-second violation, failing to inbound the ball, as Freddy Ibrahim secured his freebies that made it an 82-81 game.The 7-foot-3 Sotto saved the day with the biggest block in the game, denying Abdullah Olajuwon’s attempt to snatch the one-point edge from Gilas.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/24/fiba-no-justin-brownlee-for-gilas-pilipinas-vs-jordan-iran-cone-1940">READ: FIBA: No Justin Brownlee for Gilas Pilipinas vs. Jordan, Iran—Cone </a></div>The returning Sotto finished with a team-high 18 points, 14 rebounds, as well as two blocks, while Perez—who kept the team afloat before the end of regulation—garnered 16 points and four rebounds before fouling out in the extension.Quiambao, who also gave Gilas the first taste of the lead in the third frame with an emphatic dunk, totalled 14 points including two three-point makes, while Dwight Ramos rounded out the double-digit scorers with a 14-point output of his own.AJ Edu almost had a double-double, listing nine markers and 10 boards, while Carl Tamayo—who rolled his ankle during the game but was able to walk it off—had eight points before heading out.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/26/fiba-tamayo-primed-to-answer-call-as-brownlee-s-absence-tests-gilas-1731">READ: FIBA: Tamayo primed to answer call as Brownlee’s absence tests Gilas</a></div>Meanwhile, the Jordan men’s basketball squad came out firing, even installing an early 18-point cushion en route to a 28-14 lead after the first frame.The visitors even led at the half, 44-39, before the Philippines made the match a dogfight, as the latter forced an extension with a 72-all count by the end of regulation.Jordan, according to the statistics available from the FIBA website, led by a total of 34 minutes and 54 seconds, while Gilas was only up by 4 minutes and 41 seconds.Ibrahim’s 22-point showing built on 4-of-6 clip from the arc and Jalen Harris’ 19 markers eventually went for naught as Jordan fell short in securing the match.Gilas Men aim to replicate this victory on Sunday against Iran, while Jordan eyes a bounce-back win over Australia at the same Metro Manila venue.

Gilas Pilipinas is off to a flyer to open the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas is off to a flyer to open the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas escapes Jordan in OT to open 2nd round of World Cup qualifiers

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Gilas Pilipinas escapes Jordan in OT to open 2nd round of World Cup qualifiers

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 28, 2026 10:39 PM PHT

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Updated August 29, 2026 01:57 AM PHT

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basketball

Gilas Pilipinas

FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Jordan

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