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Gilas Pilipinas hopes to get a crack at a place in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals with a win over Iraq in its final game in Group D
MANILA, Philippines – History favors Gilas Pilipinas as it tangles with Iraq for a chance to extend its FIBA Asia Cup run.
The Philippines hopes to get a crack at a place in the quarterfinals with a win over Iraq in its final game in Group D at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, August 9.
Although the Filipinos tote a 0-2 record after back-to-back losses to Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, they are favored to beat the Iraqis considering the result of their past encounters.
Iraq has not beaten Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA play, with the Filipinos posting an 84-68 victory in the 2017 Asia Cup and a 102-30 blowout in the 1948 London Olympics.
The Philippines also scored an 84-75 win over Iraq in the 2017 Jones Cup.
“We just need to keep battling, keep our heads going forward, and don’t sink because of these last two losses. We can’t afford that,” said Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
“There’s still more to do, and we’re going to be ready for our next game.”
Like the Philippines, Iraq has yet to win in this Asia Cup after getting drubbed by an average of 24.5 points in its first two games.
Big man Abdullah Hayder Alibraheemi is expected to show the way for the Iraqis as he norms team-highs of 13.5 rebounds and 7.0 rebounds.
Count on Justin Brownlee to once again star for the Filipinos after averaging 28.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Game time is 4 pm. – Rappler.com
