KEVIN Quiambao knocked down a three-pointer with 11.7 seconds left in overtime to lift Gilas Pilipinas to an 82-81 win over Jordan on Friday night in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Quiambao buried a three from the left wing off a pass from Cjay Perez to break a 79-79 tie, sending Filipino fans into a frenzy as Gilas completed a comeback from an 18-point deficit and ended a four-game losing streak,
READ Carl Tamayo injury dampens Gilas' dramatic win over Jordan
Gilas improved to 3-4 win-loss record at the start of the second round of the qualifiers in a triumphant return to the national team for Kai Sotto, who capped a double-double with the game-saving block off Abdullah Olajuwon.
“It was fantastic. It was fun to be part of. It was fun to be on this side of it, winning. I know how tough it is,” a relieved Gilas coach Tim Cone said.
Sotto’s block rescued Gilas Pilipinas from a major collapse in the endgame.
After Quiambao’s three, Perez picked up a foul against Freddy Ibrahim, who sank two penalty free throws. Scottie Thompson then got called for a five-second inbound violation, giving Jordan a last shot at a game-winner.
Unlike in their 106-102 loss to New Zealand in the previous window last July, the Filipinos held on this time as Sotto met Olajuwon at the rim and swatted away his shot before Quiambao himself made sure they would be no Jordan follow-up.
"Against New Zealand, we were on the [wring] side of an overtime game, and losing an important World Cup qualifier. It’s good to be on this side," Cone said.
The win moved Gilas just one game adrift of second placers Jordan, Iran, and New Zealand (5-2) in Group E. The home team will look to complete a sweep of the window against Iran on Sunday.
Sotto had a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds in his first game in nearly two years with Gilas Pilipinas, while Perez had 16 points and five rebounds.
Perez was also responsible for sending the game into overtime, delivering a lay-up with 43.7 seconds left to tie the game in regulation at 72.
Quiambao added 14 points, and not only made the game-winning shot, but also some baskets during Gilas’ fightback from a 26-8 first quarter deficit.
Ibrahim had 22 points, and Jalen Harris had 19 points on 6-of-22 shooting from the field, but Jordan still lost despite shooting 6-of-8 from threes in the first quarter that got Jordan up with a big margin.
The scores:
Philippines 82 – Sotto 18, Perez 16, Ramos 14, Quiambao 14, Edu 9, Tamayo 8, Fajardo 2, Thompson 1, Gomez de Liano 0, Newsome 0, Baltazar 0.
Jordan 81 - Ibrahim 22, Harris 19, Olajuwon 17, Saleh 5, Al Dwairi 4, Alhamarsheh 4, Alshami 4, Hawwas 3, Kilani 2, Salman 1, Shaher 0.
Quarters: 14-28; 39-44; 54-58; 72-72; 82-81.
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