DON'T look now, but Saudi Arabia is one roadblock that Gilas Pilipinas may likely have to hurdle come the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals.
The tournament hosts stunned pernnial contender Jordan, 77-73, on Friday morning and loomed as the team the Philippines would likely meet in the quarterfinals should Gilas hurdle Iraq in its final group-stage game.
GILAS DILEMMA: early exit or a possible quarterfinal vs Australia
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the way with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists as the Saudis pulled off the reversal before a delirious crowd at the King Abdullah Sports Center to tie Jordan at 1-1 (win-loss) in Group C.
Many-time champion China is all but assured of the top seed in the group - and an outright spot in the quarterfinals - after victories over Saudi Arabia, 93-88, on Tuesday and India, 100-69, on Thursday.
The No. 2 spot in now a toss-up between Jordan and Saudi, which has the inside track not only because of Friday's upset of Jordan, but also because the hosts need only to beat India in its final assignment while Jordan will have to contend with China.
The Saudis need only to beat India to clinch the No. 2 spot in Group C. If they do that, the hosts will end up meeting the winner of Saturday's 4 p.m. match between Group D's winless teams Gilas and Iraq in the quarterfinals.
Gilas fell to 0-2 in Group D after Friday's 94-86 loss to New Zealand.
The Saudis do not have the long history of success in basketball like Jordan, but they're not pushovers, either. The Falcons gave China a fright in the tournament opener, losing by just five points, and dominated Jordan days later.
As tournament host, the Saudis should also enjoy all the perks of homecourt advantage.
If Gilas is to choose which team to face in the quarterfinals should it make it there, Tim Cone and Co. will likely prefer Jordan, which the Filipinos beat in the last Asian Games final and again in a tuneup days before the Asia Cup.
Jordan is also without naturalized player Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
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