JEDDAH: The Saudi national basketball team have been eliminated from the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after they lost 95-88 in overtime to the Philippines, who now go on to play Australia in the quarterfinals.
The Saudis faced their playoff game after finishing second in Group C with two wins and a defeat, producing strong performances against Jordan and India after their opening loss to China.
The game was tight through much of the match, but with just 90 seconds remaining the Philippines scored five successive points to cut the home team’s lead to only one point. Mohammed Alsuwailem then scored two points to make it 79-76 and there were a mere eight seconds left when the Philippines’ Ricardo Brownie scored a three-pointer to tie the game.
Overtime was all the Philippines, with Kevin Quiambao opening the scoring with a three-pointer before adding another minutes later. Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee extended the gap before AJ Edu’s dagger triple with under a minute to play sealed the win.
Saudi Arabia’s Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman scored 33 points, eight triples, five rebounds and four assists, but was neutralized in the overtime period. The loss ended the host nation’s bid for its first top-eight finish since 2005.
Ricard Casas, Saudi Arabia’s head coach, said after the game: “We really had a good game but we lost it in the last few seconds in overtime.
“Our counterparts had a good shooting game and, eventually, they won the game. Anyhow, I am proud of my team and we will work it out for the next tournament.”
Tim Cone, his opposite number, said: “It was a special game (and) it was a special performance by both teams. The home team really came to play and they were phenomenal.”
Chinese Taipei booked their place in the
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