PASAY CITY (Philippines) - Entering the Second Round of the Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record, outside the cutoff for a spot in next year's World Cup, Gilas are approaching every game as a must-win encounter. Against Jordan, they sure played like it, with multiple stars raising their hands in the 82-81 OT victory.
Who among these three would you consider the clutchest of them all?
CJ Perez
Guard
Date of Birth: Nov 17, 1993 Height: 188 cm / 6'2"
After a scoreless first half, Perez switched on in the second, including a game-tying layup that forced overtime. Perez's fearless drives and ability to create his own shot proved decisive in Philippines getting the much needed win that keeps them in the hunt for a spot in next year's World Cup. The PBA pro would finish with 16 points and 5 rebounds, before getting fouled out mere seconds before the final buzzer. Luckily for him, the two freethrows he conceded to Freddy Ibrahim, didn't come back to haunt him with Philippines holding on for the one point win.
Kevin Quiambao
Forward
Date of Birth: Apr 22, 2001 Height: 193 cm / 6'3"
Scores tied at 79, with 13 seconds left in OT. Who does CJ Perez find wide open on the left wing? The 25-year-old forward, who calmly finds the back of the net. That would be the final dagger, and Philippines wouldn't need to score again. Besides this all-important clutch triple, Quiambao's 14 points also included some ferocious slams, whether in transition or against a set half-court defense.
Kai Sotto
Center
Date of Birth: May 11, 2002 Height: 216 cm / 7'1"
Watching Sotto perform after returning to the lineup, you wonder why he was ever out in the first place. 'Kaiju' impacted the outcome in multiple ways, as his 18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks showed. But his game-saving block at the final buzzer in OT proved that Gilas need every inch of his giant 7'1" frame if they are to earn an appearance in World Cup 2027.
FIBA