Gilas Pilipinas lifted a huge monkey off their backs on Saturday, notching their first win in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with a 66-57 victory over a tough Iraq squad.
It was a huge win, obviously, as it meant the Philippines kept its medal hopes alive—no matter how slim they might be. It could also be the win that could catapult the national team moving forward, especially after two confidence-zapping losses to start the continental tourney.
Dwight Ramos, the hero of Gilas’ breakthrough win, admitted as much, telling reporters after the Iraq game that he and his teammates had been feeling down as of late because of the losses.
“We needed that win to give us confidence. We were feeling down a bit, last couple of games we’ve been losing. This one kinda rises our spirits,” Ramos said in the postgame press conference.
Gilas Encounters Rough Sailing
Against Iraq, it sure looked like Ramos and company were feeling the blues as their counterparts raced out to an 18-12 first quarter lead behind some red-hot three-point shooting and uneven play from Gilas.
Ramos, again, admitted as much, noting how Gilas had to tighten up their defense and play better in the second half to repulse the hard-fighting, much-improved Iraqi national squad.
“It was tough,” Ramos pointed out. “In the beginning, they [Iraq] were making their shots, but once we tightened up the defense and played a little bit more under control, I think we were able to stretch the lead there.”
Ramos was referring to Gilas’ fantastic third quarter, obviously, as their defense forced Iraq to commit six turnovers and miss 10 of their 13 attempts in a 22-7 period in favor of the nationals. The Iraqis threatened in the fourth, charging to within 57-50, but Gilas closed the show eventually with some key baskets—including a straightaway three from Calvin Oftana.
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but it kept Gilas alive in the tournament and propped up their sagging confidence and spirit. Now, they have to make the most of their second chance.
