Gilas Pilipinas avenged its 2013 defeat to Iran with a 68-56 victory in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 4 on Sunday, Aug. 29 at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines pulled away in the second half after trailing by 11 points in the opening period, holding Iran to just 22 points after halftime to secure the 12-point win on home court.

“Home-court defended. 2013 avenged,” the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said in a post on social media after the victory.

“The hunt for a World Cup spot stays alive,” the SBP added.

Iran came out strong and took an 18-7 lead after the first quarter. Gilas responded with a 29-point second period to regain control, taking a 36-34 advantage into halftime.

Dwight Ramos helped spark the turnaround, knocking down a 3-pointer and converting free throws as the Philippines seized the lead.

Juan Gomez de Liano then hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter as Gilas stretched its advantage to 15 points before Iran rallied to cut the deficit to two, 49-47, entering the fourth.

The Philippines regained its composure in the final period.

Juan Gomez de Liano hit another 3-pointer to put Gilas ahead 54-52 before Ramos followed with a triple for a 57-54 lead.

Kai Sotto added a slam dunk, while Ramos continued to deliver on offense with a jumper and another basket as Gilas maintained a double-digit cushion.

AJ Edu made two free throws to give the Philippines a 64-56 lead, and Gilas held on for the win.

The victory carried added significance for the Philippines, which last faced Iran in the gold medal game of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, also at Mall of Asia Arena.

Iran won that game, 85-71, denying the Philippines the championship on home soil.

Gilas Pilipinas started Sunday’s game with Scottie Thompson, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao and AJ Edu.

The victory keeps the Philippines’ bid for a place in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup alive.