MANILA, Philippines — Beating two top and tough Asian squads in back-to-back games without Justin Brownlee was definitely a herculean task.
But Gilas Pilipinas did the trick in both games within a three-game span.
First to go down last Friday was Jordan, 82-81 in overtime with CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao and young slotman Kai Sotto playing big roles in the win.
And then on Sunday night, with the fullhouse crowd rallying behind them, the Filipinos roared back from an early double-digit deficit to beat the Iranians, 68-56 en route to sweeping their two home games in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m lost for words, which is unusual for me,” Cone told media men as part of his opening statement, moments after pulled off the 12-point win against Iran.
“I’m extremely happy. Kai (Sotto) just asked me as I was walking in (the press room), ‘Are you the happiest guy in the world?’ I said if we can win these two games, I’ll be the happiest guy in the world,” he beamed.
For one, Cone mentioned how tough the job was to have to beat Jordan and Iran in a matter of three days without naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
“These are two really high-level national teams,” he continued.
“Iran, especially, and I read something in FIBA (website) yesterday that this is only our third win against them in the last 13 games, and we were able to do it all-Filipino pa,” he added.
Dwight Ramos and Juan Gomez De Liaño led Gilas with 16 points, each, while Sotto added 13 and 16 boards.
AJ Edu also jad a near double-double effort of eight points and eight rebounds.
“To win it at home, we had some great moments like Kai getting that rebound and dunked, or when June Mar (Fajardo) turned and made his move to the basket for a jump hook and the crowd just went crazy,” said Cone, marveling at the effort the Gilas players.
But if there’s anything worth remembering beyond the highlight plays, Cone said it was the effort the players, who trailed by 11 points in the second period.
“It’s just one of those slow starts we had but the guys kept fighting and fighting to get back into the game,” he said.
“Coming out at halftime, we felt we could pull this out. It was a great character game for these guys in both game,” Cone said, pointing to Gilas’ overtime win against Jordan.
The Philippines improved to an even 4-4, behind Group E leader Australia’s 7-0 card, followed by New Zealand (6-2).
Jordan and Iran are tied at 5-3. Syria is at last place in the group at 2-6.
