A DATE with two-time defending champion Australia in the quarterfinals looms for Gilas Pilipinas after its loss to New Zealand on Wednesday night in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 group stage.
But the Nationals might also find themselves out of the competition completely if they don’t get the job done in their final game of the group stage on Saturday.
The match-up between Gilas and Iraq on Saturday now becomes a must-win for both teams after a 94-86 loss to New Zealand sent the Filipinos tumbling down into a tie with Iraq at 0-2 (win-loss) at the bottom of Group D.
READ Gilas' hopes dim as Brownlee-led rally vs New Zealand falls short
The winner of that clash will clinch third place in Group D and advance to a match against the second placer of Group C for a place in the quarterfinals.
Jordan and host Saudi Arabia are among the candidates for that No. 2 rank in Group C, with China conceded the No. 1 spot at 2-0. Jordan and Saudi are tied at 1-1 after the hosts' shock 77-73 win over Jordan on Friday morning.
READ Host Saudi enters Gilas playoff frame after big win over Jordan
The winner of that qualification match between Group D’s third placer and Group C’s second placer will advance to the quarterfinals. However, the winner will have an arduous task of reaching the semifinals as they will go up against the No. 1 seed in Group A, which is likely Australia.
Winners of the last two Asia Cup editions in 2017 and 2022, Australia has ruled the tournament ever since Oceania sides were merged with Asian teams. The Boomers opened their title defense with a 97-61 victory over Korea last Wednesday.
But of course, Gilas Pilipinas must win against Iraq first in order for that possibility to happen.
Simply put it, another loss for Gilas and they are done from the tournament.
[Editors' note: This article has been updated to reflect the result of the Saudi Arabia-Jordan game.]
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