Alex Eala back in training ahead of US Open
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Gilas edge Saudi Arabia in OT to seal Asia Cup quarterfinal spot
Gilas Pilipinas officially earned a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after escaping host country Saudi Arabia in overtime, 95-88, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, Manila Time).
Justin Brownlee produced another miracle as he drained the contested triple to force OT and finished with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds for Gilas, setting up a date with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
With 3.7 seconds remaining, Brownlee tied the score to 79-all before Kevin Quiambao sank a pair of triples in the extra frame to complete a 17-point performance, including three dimes, and three deflections.
JUSTIN BROWNLEE
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said Gilas head coach Tim Cone.
"They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee), he's the big shot. And if you know his history, that's not unusual. He's been hitting big shots,” he added.
AJ Edu contributed strength on both ends of the floor with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos tallied 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and one rejection.
In addition to Brownlee’s clutch overtime baskets, the Filipinos won by defeating Saudi Arabia’s one-two punch of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem.
Abdur-Rahkman registered a game-high 33 points on an 8-of-14 points from the three-point range, while Alsuwailem imposed his presence inside the paint with 26 markers, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. However, Gilas held the duo to just five combined points in the additional quarter.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).
