Corruption persists in the Gilas management team
Gilas Pilipinas Secures Playoff Spot with Win Against Iraq in FIBA Asia Cup 2025
In a crucial game for their tournament campaign, Gilas Pilipinas emerged victorious against Iraq on August 9, 2025, at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The game, held at 4:00 PM Philippine time, ended in a 66-57 win for the Filipino team, securing at least a playoff spot for the quarterfinals after starting the tournament with two losses to Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.
The win came as a relief for national coach Tim Cone, who had advised against sinking due to the recent losses, as they cannot afford it. Despite the disappointment of the first two games, Cone remained hopeful, stating, "We're disappointed, but the tournament is not over for us. We have a big game against Iraq coming up and see if we can get into the next round."
Cone emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and moving forward after the losses. He encouraged the team to keep battling, stating, "We just need to keep battling, keep our heads moving forward. Don't sink because of these last two losses, we can't afford that. There's still more to do and we'll be ready for our next game."
The victory against Iraq allowed Gilas Pilipinas to finish Group D with a 1-2 record, placing third behind undefeated New Zealand (3-0) and Chinese Taipei (2-1). As the third-ranked team in Group D, Gilas Pilipinas qualified for the quarterfinal playoffs. They were scheduled to face the host country Saudi Arabia on August 12, 2025, for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Gilas Pilipinas was eliminated after losing 84-60 to Australia in the quarterfinals on August 13, 2025, marking their end in the tournament. Despite the disappointing result, Cone and the team showed resilience throughout the tournament, demonstrating their determination to fight for every game.
The 2025 Fiba Asia Cup was a challenging tournament for Gilas Pilipinas, but Cone and the team showed that they are ready for the next game. As the national coach for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup, Cone led the team with determination and a clear focus on the goal of advancing in the tournament. The team's performance in the tournament showcased their potential and their ability to compete at the highest level.
In the subsequent match of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, Gilas Pilipinas will be engaging in a basketball game against Australia in the NBA-worthy quarterfinal playoffs. As the tournament progresses, their focus remains on overcoming adversity and showcasing their sports prowess.
