Kai Sotto’s endgame denial that allowed Gilas Pilipinas to pull off an epic come-from-behind overtime escape over Jordan will be remembered as the biggest highlight of the team’s rousing start in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second-round opener.

But for the returning 7-foot-3 center, swatting away Abdullah Olajuwon’s point-blank shot with time winding down was just the icing on the cake in the Philippines’ collective effort to recover from an 18-point hole.

“For me, I’m just happy for everyone’s contribution,” said Sotto following Gilas’ 82-81 overtime victory Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena that snapped the squad’s four-game losing skid.

Sotto was quick to deflect credit for the win, praising the whole team for working together to overhaul an 8-26 deficit in the first quarter to force overtime and for the great assist of CJ Perez to an open Kevin Quiambao for the game-winning three-pointer to shatter a 79-79 tie with 11.7 seconds left in the extension.

The hard-fought triumph improved Gilas’ carryover Group E record to 3-4 to keep its bid for a fourth straight World Cup appearance alive.

Sotto made an immediate impact in his return donning the tricolor after nearly two years of absence due to a spate of injuries, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear in January 2025 while playing in the Japan B.League.

His presence compensated for the absence of injured naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

Sotto had a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds in a loud reintroduction he spiked with three assists, a steal, and two blocks.

However, Sotto admitted to feeling jittery at the start of the game as he missed shots and bad trips to the foul line.

“Before the game, I had a lot on my mind. It’s a mix of excitement and anxiety since I’ve been out of the national team for a long time,” he said.

“I know the pressure I’m carrying on my shoulders,” Sotto added.

But it didn’t take long for the 25-year-old big man to find his rhythm as he took over inside the paint. Mark Escarlote

And when Gilas needed one last defensive stand, Sotto stood tall as the packed home crowd roared.

“Very happy that I was able to show, translate inside the court my desire to end a long wait and once again play for the national team,” Sotto said.