Gilas Pilipinas rallies from 13 points down to beat Iran, sweep home qualifiers

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 31, 2026

Photo courtesy: One Sports

Gilas Pilipinas overcame a slow start and dominated the closing minutes to defeat Iran, 68–56, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, August 30.

The Philippines trailed by as many as 13 points in the opening quarter before mounting a comeback and taking a 49–47 advantage into the final period.

Iran regained the lead, 52–49, through a Robin Sheikhi three-pointer. Free throws from AJ Edu and a triple from Juan Gomez de Liaño then pushed Gilas back in front, 54–52.

Mohammad Amini tied the game at 54 before the Philippines closed with a decisive 14–2 surge powered by Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto and Edu.

Ramos and Gomez de Liaño led Gilas with 16 points each. Ramos also collected seven rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block, while Gomez de Liaño delivered his points off the bench.

Sotto recorded a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds while adding three assists. Edu contributed eight points and eight rebounds.

Sheikhi paced Iran with 21 points, while Amini finished with seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.

The victory gave the Philippines back-to-back wins and a sweep of its two games in the fourth qualifying window. Gilas improved to 4–4, while Iran fell to 5–3.

Australia remained unbeaten at 8–0, followed by New Zealand at 6–2. Iran and Jordan shared identical 5–3 records.