Romwel Anzures

Gilas Pilipinas star Juan Gomez de Liaño against Iran in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, August 30, 2026, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Photo from FIBA Basketball.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1788105152896IMG_1803.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Gilas Pilipinas star Juan Gomez de Liaño against Iran in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, August 30, 2026, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Photo from FIBA Basketball.MANILA — Juan Gomez de Liaño caught fire off the bench as Gilas Pilipinas rallied past Iran, feeding off the energy of the spirited home crowd.</div>“There’s no better feeling than playing in front of Filipino fans,” said Gomez de Liaño, who scored 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting in <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/8/30/fiba-all-filipino-gilas-outlasts-iran-to-sweep-homestand-2145">Gilas’ 68-56 victory over Iran</a> in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. “They keep us going, they keep us motivated to play at a high level,” he added.Gomez de Liaño scored 10 of his points in the second half and knocked down two three-pointers as Gilas erased a 13-point deficit, providing a spark off the bench to help the Nationals secure their second straight win.Beyond the boost from the home crowd, Gomez de Liaño also wanted to make the most of the opportunities coming his way.“In any FIBA game, every possession counts,” he said. “Being the point guard, I was just trying to make the right play. I try to get my teammates involved, so I was just glad to get the win, especially here at home.”While Gomez de Liaño deflected the praise, Gilas head coach Tim Cone lauded the University of the Philippines product for making an impact on both ends, particularly in defending Iran guard Mobin Sheikhi, who erupted for 21 points on 5-of-8 shooting from long range.“He was awesome,” raved Cone. “And when we needed him in that stretch right there, that was when he took over and hit some shots. He was also chasing the little guard, and that’s who made him tired.”Cone said Gomez de Liaño’s defensive effort was so taxing that the guard eventually needed some time to recover.“I would have played him longer, but he kept getting tired,” Cone quipped.

Juan Gomez de Liaño caught fire off the bench as Gilas Pilipinas rallied past Iran, feeding off the energy of the spirited home crowd.

Juan Gomez de Liaño caught fire off the bench as Gilas Pilipinas rallied past Iran, feeding off the energy of the spirited home crowd.

FIBA: Motivated by home crowd, Juan GDL steps up for Gilas

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

FIBA: Motivated by home crowd, Juan GDL steps up for Gilas

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 31, 2026 12:09 AM PHT

|

Updated August 31, 2026 12:20 AM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

FIBA

2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas

Tim Cone

FIBA Basketball

Juan Gomez de Liaño

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.