Gilas Pilipinas hold a 3-0 head-to-head edge against Saudi Arabia, but the FIBA Asia Cup hosts enter the knockout match with confidence after a promising group phase.
Gilas Pilipinas are ready to take on the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 hosts in the qualification to the quarterfinals on Tuesday (PH time).
Gilas currently holds a pristine 3–0 record over Saudi Arabia in official FIBA play. Now, the two teams meet again as the knockout rounds commence in the 2025 edition of the Asian Championships.
2013 FIBA Asia Championship (Preliminary Round)
Their first encounter took place during the group stage in Manila during the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
Gilas secured a 78–66 victory to start its Group A schedule, with LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier scoring 12 points each to lead the offense. The Philippines won the silver medal during this edition.
FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers (Second Round)
Back on home soil, Gilas dominated with a commanding 84–46 win in the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto had big games, with JC leading the team in scoring with 23 points. Sotto added a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Notably, this was Clarkson’s first win with Gilas in official FIBA play.
FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers (Second Round)
In Jeddah, facing a hostile crowd, the Philippines tallied another win, 76–63, to sweep the set in the World Cup qualifiers.
Dwight Ramos and RR Pogoy powered the offense with 13 points each, while Sotto had 11 points and nine rebounds.
Upcoming: 2025 FIBA Asia Cup (Qualification to quarterfinals)
The story isn't over. At the ongoing Asia Cup in Jeddah, Gilas will face Saudi Arabia once more in a high-stakes qualifying knockout match.
While history and FIBA rankings favor Gilas, it’s actually Saudi Arabia that enter with a better record. The hosts impressed with a strong showing in Group C, finishing with a 2-1 record.
Meanwhile, Gilas struggled to even advance with its 1-2 mark.
Tip off is 12:00 a.m. (PH time) and the winner moves on to take on Australia.
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]