Gilas Pilipinas went on the wringer before surviving Jordan in a thrilling overtime victory, 82-81, in the fourth window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 2027 World Cup Asia qualifiers on Friday before a packed, loud crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Playing without naturalized Justin Brownlee due to injuries, the nationals went on to rely on Sotto’s height advantage and international basketball experience to improve their current win-loss record to 3-4 in Group E.
Sotto, who scored 18 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and blocked two shots, swatted Jordan’s Abdullah Olajuwon’s buzzer-beating jump shot that saved the night for Team Philippines.
Gilas trailed 8-26 in the first quarter before making the game close until the end of regulation, with CJ Perez scoring a game-tying layup with 45 ticks left that tied the count to 72-all.
Kevin Quiambao fired a crucial triple that provided Gilas an 82-79 lead with 13 seconds left before Freddy Ibrahim made two free throws that trimmed the deficit.
Scottie Thompson was called for a five-second inbound violation with nine seconds left, allowing Jordan to regroup. But Sotto was there to save the day.
CJ Perez and Quiambao scattered 16 and 14 points, respectively, while Dwight Ramos also added 14 points to lead the Philippines, which will face Iran on Sunday at 8 pm at the same venue. Iran lost to New Zealand, 93-91, earlier.
Jalen Harris led Jordan with 19 points.