Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Host nation Saudi Arabia bowed out of the FIBA Asia Cup in agonizing trend on Monday, falling 95-88 to the Philippines after additional time in a gripping playoff conflict for a quarterfinal spot.
The Saudis, chasing their first quarterfinal look since 2005, pushed the extra skilled Philippines to the brink earlier than Justin Brownlee’s clutch three-pointer within the dying seconds pressured additional time.
The Philippines, often called “Gilas,” then pulled away within the additional interval to arrange a quarterfinal assembly with two-time defending champion Australia.
Brownlee led the best way with 29 factors, together with three triples, to go along with 5 assists and 4 rebounds in an entire efficiency.
AJ Edu added 17 factors, 11 rebounds, and a key block, whereas Kevin Quiambao got here up huge in additional time with 17 factors.
For Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Ali Abdulrahman was sensational, pouring in 33 factors — together with eight three-pointers — alongside 5 rebounds and 4 assists in a standout show.
The Philippines managed the opening quarter via Brownlee’s taking pictures, Edu’s inside dominance, and Quiambao’s scoring to take a double-digit lead.
However Saudi Arabia roared again within the second, with Abdulrahman hitting back-to-back threes and Musab Qadi including one other in a 14-1 run that briefly put the hosts forward.
With Mohammed Al-Suwailem becoming a member of Abdulrahman within the third-quarter surge, the Saudis held the sting for a lot of the interval earlier than Scottie Thompson’s late drive gave the guests a 60-59 lead coming into the ultimate body.
The fourth quarter swung dramatically, as Abdulrahman’s seventh three and a nook triple from Marzouq Al-Muwallad stretched Saudi Arabia’s result in six. However Brownlee and Edu sparked the Philippines’ rally.
With eight seconds remaining and Saudi Arabia up 79-76 after Al-Suwailem’s putback, Brownlee rose over Al-Muwallad to empty the game-tying three, gorgeous the house crowd and forcing additional time.
The additional interval belonged to the Philippines, with Quiambao placing first from deep and including one other later, whereas Ramos and Brownlee prolonged the hole. Edu’s decisive triple inside the ultimate minute sealed Saudi Arabia’s destiny.
