The Philippines opened their FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a hard-fought 66-57 victory over Iraq on August 9, 2025. In a defensive struggle, Gilas Pilipinas relied on their trademark hustle and key plays down the stretch to secure the win. The match was a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to find offensive consistency against intense defensive pressure. The Philippines managed to create a small but crucial separation in the third quarter, which they protected with gritty defense in the final period. Iraq stayed within striking distance until the end but was unable to string together enough scores to overturn the deficit. This result was vital for the Philippines' hopes of advancing from the group stage, setting a positive tone with a win built on defensive resilience and team effort.