Graphics by Dyric Espinosa

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas erased an 18-point deficit to edge Jordan, 82-81, in overtime and keep its FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 bid alive at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Friday, August 28.

Jordan stormed out of the gate and built an 18-point lead before taking a 28-14 advantage into the second quarter.

Gilas answered with a 25-16 second quarter, capped by Carl Tamayo’s three-pointer before halftime that put the Philippines ahead, 44-39.

After the break, Gilas opened the third with a 12-2 run for a 51-46 lead, but Jordan quickly answered with a 10-0 burst.

Hadi Ammar Alshami then put Jordan ahead, 58-54, heading into the final frame.

Gilas fought back in the fourth as both teams traded baskets and battled through several ties.

Neither side could break away, and CJ Perez missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer to send the game into overtime at 72-all.

Jordan opened the extra period with a 78-72 lead, but Gilas chipped away and stayed within striking distance.

Kai Sotto then tipped in the go-ahead basket with less than a minute left to put the Philippines in front.

With the score tied at 79-all, Kevin Quiambao buried a three-pointer with 11.7 seconds remaining to give Gilas an 82-79 lead.

Jordan answered with two Freddy Ibrahim free throws after Perez fouled out, cutting the gap to one before a five-second violation gave Jordan one final possession.

Sotto blocked Abdullah Olajuwon’s last-second attempt to seal the 82-81 win.

The win improved Gilas to 3-4 in Group E, with Iran next on Sunday, August 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Article by Ellie Cabalhin