FOR Saudi Arabia, whose basketball credential is considered by many as a work in progress, the coming game against the Philippines is not only a chance to move forward in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, but also a validation that it is now a threat to Asian basketball powers.
The Philippines got the opportunity to keep its hopes alive when it beat Iraq on Sunday, 66-57, for third place in Group D while Saudi Arabia won its second game of the tournament by beating India, 84-59, to finish No. 2 in Group A.
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Gametime is on Monday, 7 p.m. local time (Tuesday 12 midnight, Philippine time).
The host nation continued to turn heads in the tournament, but coach Ricard Casas is bracing for a tough test from the Philippines on Monday for a place in the quarterfinals.
“The next match is not easy. It’s very difficult. But every day is difficult. We will give our best. Of course, the next hours will be important in preparing the game because we will be playing a good team. Philippines is top-level in the FIBA ranking. They have excellent players.
“We will be thinking [of] them. But first, we have to think of our team,” said Casas, who was once an assistant coach of the FC Barcelona club that won the Spanish Cup in 2018 and 2019.
Saudi put itself in position to play for a spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Jordan, 77-73, last Thursday. To illustrate how far the Saudis have gone with their basketball, they only lost by five to China, 93-88, in their opening match.
Though the task will be daunting, Casas said in order for Saudi Arabia to continue winning at home, they must have to aim high.
“Congratulations to my team because my players are giving their best. We have been really working in all the aspects of the game, offense, defense, difficult moments, playing as a team,” said the Spanish coach.
“We need to keep preparing and to have ambitions. The next step for us is to have (an) ambition,” said Casas.
Casas also hopes that the Saudi Arabia fans would also come out for the game against the Philippines, whose fans have turned the King Abdullah Sports City into a home-court atmosphere.
“We need more. Maybe double. Please support the team. The team is giving the best,” Casas said.
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