Gilas Pilipinas gave veteran center June Mar Fajardo a fitting farewell in his final game wearing the tricolor, taking down Iran, 68-56, to complete a two-game homestand sweep in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Gilas’ young guns Juan Gomez de Liano, Dwight Ramos, 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto and AJ Edu took over during the closing 14-2 run that shattered a 54-54 deadlock in what served as a changing of the guards.

Fajardo scored six points, making his only field-goal attempt, and grabbed two rebounds in a memorable goodbye and personal redemption — beating the same team that defeated Gilas in his national squad debut during the gold medal match of the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup at the same Pasay venue.

“I thank God for the opportunity He has given me, the height He has given me. If not for that, I won’t be able to join the team,” Fajardo said.

Gomez de Liano came off the bench and scored 16 points, Ramos scored 16 and grabbed seven rebounds, while Sotto had a double-double of 13 points and 16 boards for Gilas, which improved to a 4-4 win-loss record in Group E.

The Philippines had a sluggish start, scoring just seven points in the opening period. Gilas found its rhythm in the second canto as it poured in 29 points for a 36-34 advantage entering the intermission.

Gilas, which outlasted Jordan, 82-81, in overtime last Friday to end a four-game skid, will take on Syria in the fifth window on 27 Nov.

Meanwhile, Australia moved closer to booking a World Cup appearance after cruising past Jordan, 126-93, to remain unscathed after eight outings.