Gilas Pilipinas, Saudi Arabia Set Do-or-Die Clash for 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Quarterfinal Spot

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by Raymund Tamayo

Gilas Pilipinas' Dwight Ramos passes the ball to teammate Kevin Quiambao during their clash with Iraq in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Photo: FIBA.

The path to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals takes a high-stakes turn as Gilas Pilipinas prepares to battle host nation Saudi Arabia in a knockout qualifier.

Saudi Arabia secured its spot in the crossover stage after finishing second in Group C, capping the preliminaries with a commanding 84-59 win over India on Saturday, August 9 (Sunday, August 10, Manila time). The qualifier will tip off on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, 12 a.m., Manila time), with the winner earning the right to challenge reigning two-time champion Australia, the top seed in Group A.

The hosts have turned heads in the tournament, pushing Group C leader China to the brink in a 93-88 loss and delivering an upset against Jordan, 77-73.

Saudi Arabia's Marzouq Almuwallad will be one of the key players for the hosts when they clash with Gilas Pilipinas on Monday. Photo: FIBA.

Gilas, meanwhile, endured an up-and-down group stage. Early double-digit deficits haunted the Philippines in back-to-back losses to Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. However, the team showed resilience in its final group game, grinding out a 66-57 victory over Iraq to clinch third place in Group D. Dwight Ramos starred with 21 points in that win, keeping the Philippines’ campaign alive despite the struggles of naturalized ace Justin Brownlee, who had an uncharacteristic eight-point outing.

Under the tournament format, only group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals. Second- and third-place finishers cross over in knockout games for the remaining four slots in the last eight.

With both teams seeking to extend their runs, Monday’s clash promises intensity. Saudi Arabia will lean on its size, home-court advantage, and balanced scoring attack, while Gilas must bring the defensive grit and second-half energy that powered their breakthrough win.

For the Philippines, it’s not just about staying alive—it’s about proving they can rise when the stakes are highest.