Powerful start for Jordan
Jordan took control right from the start and pulled away in the first quarter, building a 16-point lead! Over the opening 10 minutes, both teams attempted the same number of shots – 14 each. However, the Philippines struggled with its shooting, making just 28,57% of its field goals, compared to 64,29% for its opponent. The first quarter ended with Jordan holding a commanding 28-14 lead.
Practice proved stronger than theory
There’s a proven formula for holding onto a lead over the remaining 30 minutes. The team needs to control possession for as long as possible, shoot at least 50% from the field, and put its opponent under pressure without getting into foul trouble. Mathematically, this approach should lead to victory.
However, Jordan’s strategy of preserving its comfortable advantage only worked in the opening minutes – Tim Cone’s men started fighting back step-by-step. They outshot the Jordanians in both volume and accuracy, heading into the long break trailing by a mere five points (39-44).
Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, combining for just 29 points. However, things changed in the eighth minute when the Philippines finally took the lead (47-45) on a basket by Karl Quiambao, briefly seizing control of the game. Jordan even had to erase a five-point deficit along the way. Ultimately, the Filipinos edged out the quarter 15-14.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Jordan’s lead was down to just four points (58-54), and the game turned into a back-and-forth battle. With just 45 seconds remaining, Jaymar Perez tied it at 72-72. Both teams still had at least two chances to score. Perez could have won the game in regulation, but his shot hit the rim and bounced out. The 72-72 deadlock sent the game to overtime.
How did decisive minutes unfold?
Jordan came out more aggressively, twice building a four-point lead. With 42 seconds left, Kai Sotto scored in the paint to put the Philippines ahead 79-78. Jordan responded with a free throw to tie the game once again at 79-79. Then, with 11.7 seconds left in overtime, Karl Quiambao hit a clutch three-pointer to put the Philippines ahead 82-79. What followed was a textbook scenario – the team ahead took an intentional foul to prevent a three-point attempt. Jordan knocked down both free throws to cut the deficit to one at 82-81. On the final possession, 220-centimeter Kai Sotto blocked Abdullah Olajuwon’s shot, sealing a dramatic victory for the Philippines.
Philippines national team prospects
The Philippines is competing in Group E, where four of the six teams will qualify for the World Cup 2027. Australia and New Zealand are group favorites, leaving Iran, Jordan, and the Philippines to battle for the remaining two spots. Tim Cone’s side currently sits fifth with 12 points. In its four remaining games, the Philippines will face clear underdog Syria twice, as well as Jordan and Iran once each, having a favorable head-to-head record against both teams. Meanwhile, its direct rivals will still have to face Australia and New Zealand. Based on the remaining schedule, the Philippines appears to have the best chance of securing a top-four finish.
Support our team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifying clashes with 1xBet online!