 |
| Dwight Ramos took over Gilas in a much-needed win against Iraq. FIBA |
MANILA--The defense that many fans thought was missing in the first two games was finally felt on Saturday as Gilas Pilipinas stifled Iraq, 66-57, to stay alive in the FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Conceding more than 90 points in both its losses against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, Gilas, despite yet another offensive struggle that actually put Iraq in control for most of the first half, shut its opponent down when it needed the most in the do-or-die contest.
Iraq was on track to pull off a major upset as it took an 18-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Gilas slowly scorched back and eventually held them to just seven points in the third quarter to pull away for good.
Dwight Ramos fired 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Gilas, which moves on to the playoffs.
AJ Edu added nine points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
Gilas will either face Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or India in the first round of the knockout stages depending on the result of the game between Saudi and India later Saturday.
Thulfiqar Hammoodi and Ali Ismael each tallied 13 points for Iraq, which despite gallant stands against Gilas and New Zealand was knocked out of contention.
