Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after defeating host team Saudi Arabia, 95-88, in overtime. Justin Brownlee proved once again that he is a clutch player after sinking a game-tying three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Brownlee recorded 29 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds to help the Philippines face defending champion Australia in the next match.
Saudi Arabia looked set to advance to the quarterfinals when they took a 77-71 lead with 1:30 left in the game. But Gilas pulled away in the final moments, tying the game at 79-79 after Brownlee's three-pointer. In overtime, the Philippines defeated their opponents by a score of 16-9, giving them a big win three years after failing to advance to the final eight in 2022.
Also contributing big were AJ Edu with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Kevin Quiambao with 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Both of them scored crucial threes in overtime to gain the advantage. Gilas also slowed down the offense of Saudi star players Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem who combined for just 5 points in OT.
In the next match this August 13, Gilas will try to defeat Australia, which has won the Asia Cup twice.
