Calvin Oftana unlikely to suit up for Gilas’ next game after re-injuring his ankle in win over Iraq

Gilas Pilipinas returned to winning form on Saturday, August 9, with a 66-57 victory over Iraq in their final Group D game of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The win booked Gilas a place in the quarterfinals but came with a setback as forward Calvin Oftana aggravated a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter. The 29-year-old had to be helped back to the bench after getting tangled with an Iraqi player near the free-throw line.

It was the same ankle Oftana injured while playing for the TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals—a knock he played through in the finals against the San Miguel Beermen.

Calvin Oftana in real pain after being subbed out after rolling his right ankle | @spinph

📷: RPTV, One Sports, Cignal TV pic.twitter.com/AyIG1BtOs4

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) August 9, 2025

Following the game, Oftana admitted he is unlikely to suit up for Gilas’ quarterfinal matchup against tournament hosts Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, August 12.

“Kaya pa. Okay pa. I want to play. Pero fourth time is too much siguro. I need a proper rehab sa aking mga injury. Ayaw ko na liability ko sa depensa lalo na nag struggle ako sa opensa,” said Oftana, noting his frustration with repeated setbacks.

Oftana has struggled to find his rhythm in the tournament. He tallied just six points on 2-of-10 shooting in Gilas’ 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei and went scoreless in their 94-86 defeat to New Zealand. Against Iraq, prior to his injury, he managed only three points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in nearly 21 minutes of action.

Through three games, Oftana is averaging 3.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest. His availability for Tuesday’s quarterfinal remains uncertain.

Gilas will now turn their focus to Saudi Arabia, aiming to build on their defensive effort against Iraq and advance to the semifinal stage of the continental tournament.

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