Saudi's national basketball team
The Philippines' national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, is gearing up for a crucial do-or-die game against host nation Saudi Arabia in the qualification round for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The match, scheduled for August 12 (Philippine time), will start at midnight in the Philippines.
Gilas qualified for the group stage by defeating Iraq 66-57 on Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, they face a tough challenge in the upcoming game, as two players from Saudi Arabia have been signed by Gilas, and two more have followed, strengthening the Saudi team significantly.
Notably, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, the naturalized player for the Falcons, has been a standout performer in the tournament. He currently leads as the top scorer with 23.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Alongside him, center Mohammed Alsuwailem adds a formidable presence in the paint.
In the group stage, New Zealand leads with a record of 3-0, followed by Chinese Taipei with 2-1, Gilas with 1-2, and Iraq, who has been eliminated from the competition. This matchup between Gilas and Saudi Arabia is significant, as the winner will advance to face Australia, the back-to-back defending champions, in the quarterfinals on August 13, 2025.
This will be a rematch for Gilas, as they were eliminated by Australia in the 2022 FIBA World Cup qualification. In their previous games, Gilas has struggled against Saudi Arabia, losing to them in the qualification round, as well as to Chinese Taipei (95-87) and New Zealand (94-86). They have yet to secure a win against the new additions to the Saudi team.
Despite these challenges, Gilas Pilipinas remains hopeful. With their recent victory over Iraq and the addition of new players to their roster, they are determined to turn the tide in their favour. The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.
Gilas Pilipinas, having strengthened their roster with new players, will likely face a demanding game of basketball against Saudi Arabia, who have added notable performers from the tournament such as Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem. The outcome of this match could potentially determine Gilas' progress in sports, as the winner advances to play against Australia, the current defending champions, in the quarterfinals.
