Gilas Pilipinas’ Calvin Oftana during a game against Iraq at the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.-FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas’ win over Iraq in the Fiba Asia Cup didn’t come without some scratches after Calvin Oftana went down with an ankle injury during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 66-57 victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Oftana had to be helped back to the bench with over three minutes left in the payoff period after entangling with an Iraqi player near the free throw line.
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Before getting hurt, Oftana knocked down a crucial three that doused cold water on Iraq’s comeback bid in the fourth.
Iraq had pulled within seven, 57-50, after falling behind by 18 before Oftana drained the shot from the top of the key.
It was the only basket Oftana made in almost 21 minutes, on top of four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
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It was the same ankle that Oftana hurt while playing for TNT during the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup, eventually playing through the injury in the Finals when the Tropang 5G lost to the San Miguel Beermen.
Coach Tim Cone initially ruled Oftana having a “50-50 chance” of making the team, but was given the go-signal to be part of Gilas’ 12-man lineup for the Asia Cup.
Oftana has struggled offensively in the group stage, posting six points on 2-of-10 from the floor in the 95-87 defeat to Chinese-Taipei before going scoreless in the 94-86 loss at the hands of New Zealand.
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