A rematch of the 2017 final and a battle between two basketball powerhouses headline the penultimate round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
From sweet 16 to a furious final four, the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 has whittled the field down to champions, challengers, and comeback kings.
Two-time defending champion Australia, along with Iran, China, and New Zealand rounded out the semifinal cast of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 as the tournament enters its homestretch.
The Boomers will take on Team Melli — three-time winners of the competition — in a 2017 finals rematch, while Team Dragon faces the Tall Blacks in another marquee showdown.
Australia’s three-peat dreams moved closer to reality after an 84-60 demolition of Gilas Pilipinas in their last outing. Before that, the Boomers completed a 3-0 sweep of Group A to earn an outright quarterfinal berth.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas succumb to Australian Boomers in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 quarterfinals]
With Jaylin Galloway leading the way alongside Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay, Australia aim to extend their unbeaten tournament run to 5-0 against a familiar foe.
Iran advanced to the semifinals after pulling off a gutsy 21-point comeback against Chinese Taipei in their quarterfinal duel.
[ALSO READ: Iran completes 21-point comeback to eliminate Chinese Taipei from FIBA Asia Cup]
Mohammad Amini went off for a monster 30-point, 11-rebound performance in that game, where Iran took the lead in the final minute to secure the dramatic win.
Much like Australia, the world no. 28 squad completed a 3-0 sweep of their group, paving the way for an early knockout stage entry.
Meanwhile, China returned to the semifinals for the first time since their 2015 title run after fending off South Korea in the quarterfinals.
[ALSO READ: China sees off Korea, marches on to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 semifinals]
The most successful nation in tournament history with 16 championships, Team Dragon topped Group C and remains unbeaten at 4-0.
But the Chinese quintet will have their hands full against a spirited New Zealand squad fresh off an epic 22-point comeback over Lebanon to crash the last-four party.
The Tall Blacks also swept their group before authoring the biggest rally of the tournament so far.