Gilas Pilipinas looks to achieve what it failed to accomplish in the previous edition of the FIBA Asia Cup as it battles Saudi Arabia for a quarterfinal berth
Redemption is at stake for Gilas Pilipinas as it eyes a return to the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals.
The Philippines can achieve what it failed to accomplish in the previous edition when it tangles with host nation Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, Manila time).
A win over the Saudis will send the Filipinos to the last eight, where two-time defending champion Australia awaits.
Justin Brownlee and Dwight Ramos, the only players averaging in double-figure scoring for the team, are once again expected to show the way for the Philippines, which seeks a deeper run after an early exit in the 2022 tiff.
In 2022, the Filipinos also got past the group stage but absorbed a 102-81 loss to Japan and failed to reach the Asia Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years.
Brownlee averages 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals, while Ramos norms 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals as the Nationals placed third in Group D with a 1-2 record.
The Philippines has not lost to Saudi Arabia in FIBA play, but the hosts are no pushovers, finishing second in Group C with a 2-1 slate following a narrow loss to China, a stunning win over Jordan, and a blowout of India.
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman will be a marked man for the Filipinos as he leads Saudi Arabia with 23.7 points, which ranks third in the tournament, on top of 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Game time is 12 am.
