The stakes couldn’t be higher as Gilas Pilipinas battle Iraq for a chance to compete in the qualification for the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
A quarterfinal spot is still within reach for Gilas Pilipinas despite back-to-back losses in the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The Nationals, however, must first take care of business against Iraq in their final group-stage game on Saturday, August 9 as the winner will advance to the qualification round for a shot at the final eight.
Meanwhile, unbeaten squads New Zealand and Chinese Taipei will battle for the Group D top seed on Sunday, August. 10.
Group D Standings | As of Friday, August 8
Team | Wins | Losses | Points | +/-
Chinese Taipei | 2 | 0 | 4 | +35
New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 4 | + 30
Philippines | 0 | 2 | 2 | -16
Iraq | 0 | 2 | 2 | -49
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | Gilas Pilipinas compete at 2025 FIBA Asia Cup]
Gilas Pilipinas (0-2)
Next opponent: Iraq (0-2)
Time: 4:00 p.m. (PH time), August 9
The task is simple for Gilas Men: beat Iraq and move on to the qualification round to get a shot at a quarterfinal berth. Lose, and their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign ends.
Even Justin Brownlee’s 37-point explosion couldn’t lift the Philippines past New Zealand in a 94–86 loss, setting up a high-stakes clash with the Iraqis.
[ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee, Gilas shake off loss as win-or-go-home FIBA Asia Cup duel vs Iraq looms]
Gilas appeared poised to flip the script in the second half after an erratic start that saw them trail by as many as 19 points.
But costly turnovers and momentum-killing fouls derailed coach Tim Cone’s wards, who have now dropped two straight to the Tall Blacks dating back to the third window of the qualifiers.
The Philippines last faced Iraq in the 2017 Asia Cup in Lebanon, cruising to an 84–68 win. Should they prevail on Saturday, Gilas will meet the second placer from Group C in the qualification phase.
As of this writing, 16-time champion China tops Group C with a perfect 2–0 record, while hosts Saudi Arabia and Jordan are tied for second at 1–1.
Iraq (0-2)
Next opponent: Gilas Pilipinas (0-2)
Time: 4:00 p.m. (PH time), August 9
The stakes are just as high for Iraq, who suffered another lopsided defeat, this time to Chinese Taipei, 87–60.
Alibraheemi paced Iraq with 15 points and six rebounds in a spirited effort, but the team trailed 39–28 at halftime before getting outscored 48–32 in the final two quarters.
Through two games, Iraq has lost by an average of 24.5 points, entering the matchup against the Gilas as the underdogs.
Chinese Taipei (2-0)
Next opponent: New Zealand (2-0)
Time: 2:00 a.m. (PH time), August 10
Chinese Taipei is on the brink of a direct quarterfinal entry after an inspiring run so far in the tournament.
And Taiwan face their biggest test yet in tangling with fellow unbeaten squad New Zealand for the top spot in Group D. Lin Ting-Chien fired 22 points in the 87–60 rout of Iraq.
[ALSO READ: Chinese Taipei follows up on rousing win vs Gilas, pummels Iraq in FIBA Asia Cup 2025]
If they fall to New Zealand, Chinese Taipei will finish second and likely face the third placer from Group C, currently either Jordan (1-1) or host Saudi Arabia (1-1).
New Zealand (2-0)
Next opponent: Chinese Taipei (2-0)
Time: 2:00 a.m. (PH time), August 10
The Tall Blacks are also chasing a direct quarterfinal berth in a top-of-the-table clash with Taiwan.
New Zealand holds the edge, having beaten Chinese Taipei twice in the qualifying rounds—once at home and once on the road.
Taylor Britt, the team’s leading scorer at 20 points per game, will again lead the charge, with Mojave King, Tohi Smith-Milner, Cameron Flynn and Carlin Davison providing steady offensive support.
Assuming the Tall Blacks enter the quarterfinals, they will await the winner between the Group B second-placer and Group A’s third-place team.