Castro in as Gilas looks to salvage home stand vs. Iran

MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas is going full force.

The Philippines has unveiled its final 12-man lineup for the crucial match against Iran in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

After serving his FIBA suspension, guard Jayson Castro is officially back in Gilas and the Blur will look to lead a shocked national team to a bounce-back win over the Iranians today.

The Philippines previously took a massive upset to Kazakhstan Friday, derailing the country's march to the World Cup next year.

Joining Castro are mainstays Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, and Matthew Wright.

Completing the team are LA Tenorio, Beau Belga, Marcio Lassiter, Troy Rosario, Arwind Santos, Scottie Thompson, and Christian Standhardinger.

Gilas is currently tied with Japan for third place in Group F with identical 5-4 records while Iran keeps solo second with a 6-3 mark.

If the Philippines beats Iran and Japan handles business against Kazakhstan, there will be a three-way tie for second place in Group F behind Australia, setting up a wild final window early next year.

Gilas Pilipinas will long-time Asian rivals the MOA Arena. host its today at

MILAN — Juventus extended its lead in Serie A to 11 points after beating Fiorentina 3-0 on Saturday.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgio Chiellini scored and Cristiano Ronaldo added a late penalty to condemn Fiorentina to its first defeat of the season.

Fiorentina dominated for large periods and tested Wojciech Szczesny several times before Juventus doubled its lead and essentially sealed the result.

Second-placed Napoli visits Atalanta on Monday, the day after third-placed Inter Milan travels to Roma.

Juventus hosts Inter on Friday. "We have started a tough month, with difficult away matches, in the best way possible," Chiellini said. "December will be important. At the end of the month we can do a first evaluation. But there's still a long way to go until May."