Gilas Pilipinas pounds Iraq for 2nd FIBA Asia Cup win

The Philippines took care of business against Iraq, 84-68, on Friday for its second straight win in the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.

Gilas Pilipinas broke away in the second half to secure the victory to follow up its rousing 96-87 win over China on opening day.

The Philippines had a hairline 32-31 lead at halftime over Iraq, leaning on the stellar play of naturalized star Kevin Galloway.

Filipino-German center Christian Standhardinger and hotshot guard Terrence Romeo conspired to spark Gilas in the third period. A furious 21-0 run turned a tied game into a commanding 56-35 lead, which Gilas nursed the rest of the way.

Romeo once again led Gilas in scoring with 17 points, while Standhardinger finished with 16. Carl Bryan Cruz was a big boost off the bench for the Philippines, finishing with 11 points on perfect 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc.

Galloway did everything for Iraq, finishing with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists.

By winning its first two matches, the Philippines has virtually assured itself of an automatic spot in the quarterfinals. Gilas will finish its opening round slate on Sunday against Qatar, which has been eliminated from contention after losing its first two games against China and Iraq. --JST, GMA News