GILAS Pilipinas will have an early rematch with China in next month's 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Along with China, the Philippines is also drawn in Group C with Bahrain and Kazakhstan during the official draw of lots held on Saturday.
In one of the biggest comebacks in Asiad history, Gilas battled back from 20 points down to stun the Chinese before their home crowd, 77-76, in their 2023 semifinals in Hangzhou.
The momentum carried the Filipinos all the way to the gold medal match when they beat Jordan, 70-60, ending the country's 61-year championship drought.
Host Japan meanwhile, shows way in Group A together with Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
Iran meanwhile, leads Group B along with Jordan, Chinese Taipei, and Qatar.
Tournament format has the top two teams from each group along with the two best third placed teams advancing in the knockout quarterfinals after the single round robin eliminations.
Action in basketball starts early on Sept. 10 at the Aichi International Arena or more than a week before the 20th edition of the Games officially kicks off on Sept. 19.
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