Gilas Pilipinas revived its 2027 World Cup hopes with two important victories at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Philippines defeated Jordan 82–81 in overtime on August 28, then overcame Iran 68–56 on August 30.
Those results ended a four-game losing streak and lifted Gilas to a 4–4 record. The team remains fifth in Group E, but the table now looks far less discouraging. Iran and Jordan are only one victory ahead at 5–3.
A place in Qatar is still some distance away. Nevertheless, the Philippines has returned to the race after appearing in real danger of falling behind.
Gilas refuses to surrender against Jordan
The Jordan game could easily have become another painful defeat. Gilas trailed 26–8 during a disastrous opening quarter and spent much of the night trying to recover.
This time, however, the team did not unravel.
CJ Perez scored important points late in regulation, while Kevin Quiambao made the go-ahead three-pointer in overtime. Kai Sotto then protected the lead by blocking Jordan’s final attempt at the basket.
Sotto finished with 18 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in his first Gilas appearance in nearly two years. It was an immediate reminder of what the Philippines had been missing.
His height matters, of course. But his presence also gives the team more freedom on both ends of the court. Guards can defend more aggressively when they know Sotto and AJ Edu are protecting the basket behind them.
A more convincing performance against Iran
Two days later, Gilas looked more composed against Iran.
The Philippines recovered from another slow start and pulled away with a 14–2 finish. Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez de Liano scored 16 points each. Sotto added 13 points and 16 rebounds, completing his second double-double of the window.
The 68–56 victory carried extra weight because Iran has frustrated Philippine teams repeatedly. Gilas also achieved it without naturalized player Justin Brownlee. That does not make Brownlee less valuable, but it proves that the national team does not have to depend entirely on one player.
The night also marked June Mar Fajardo’s final appearance for Gilas. He ended a 13-year international career with six points and two rebounds.
World Cup qualification is possible, not guaranteed
Australia leads Group E at 8–0, followed by New Zealand at 6–2. Iran and Jordan sit at 5–3, with Gilas immediately behind them.
The top three teams from each second-round group will qualify. The best fourth-placed team will also reach the World Cup.
Gilas next faces Syria on November 27 and Iran on November 30. It will then meet Jordan on February 25 and Syria again on February 28.
That schedule gives the Philippines an opening, especially because Iran and Jordan still face difficult games against Australia and New Zealand. A November sweep could move Gilas into third place.
The victories over Jordan and Iran did not complete the job. What they accomplished was still significant: they restored confidence, repaired much of the earlier damage and placed qualification back in Filipino hands.
