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Philippines' Gilas team stuns Saudi Arabia in OT to reach Asia Cup quarterfinals
Justin Brownlee's heroics allowed the Philippines to score a thrilling 95-88 win over host Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on August 11
- PUBLISHED: Tue 12 Aug 2025, 11:02 AM
Justin Brownlee once again came to Gilas Pilipinas’ rescue, steering the team into the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals with another clutch performance.
The seasoned forward, known for delivering in high-pressure moments, pulled off yet another impressive act — drilling a crucial three-pointer with just 3.7 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, giving the game an extended period. His heroics allowed the Philippines to score a thrilling 95-88 win over host Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday (August 11).
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According to a report by Rappler.com, Brownlee finished with 29 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, sealing the Philippines’ ticket to a quarterfinal clash against two-time defending champions Australia.
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For much of the final quarter, Saudi Arabia seemed destined for victory, holding a 77-71 advantage with 1 minute and 30 seconds left. But the hosts unravelled in the closing stretch as Gilas stormed back with an 8-2 run, six of those points courtesy of Brownlee.
Saudi Arabia still held a 79-76 lead after Mohammed Alsuwailem narrowly beat the shot block with a putback with 8.4 seconds left, but Brownlee answered by shaking free from Marzouq Almuwallad and hitting the game-tying trey.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Filipinos dominated overtime, outscoring the Saudis 16-9 to reach the quarterfinals three years after missing the final eight in the 2022 edition.
Rising stars AJ Edu and Kevin Quiambao played key supporting roles. Edu tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Quiambao added 17 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Both delivered timely long-range bombs in the extra frame — Quiambao hitting two triples in a 12-2 burst that gave Gilas a 90-81 lead, and Edu burying the dagger from deep for a 93-84 cushion in the final minute.
Along with their offensive flurry, Gilas clinched the win by shutting down Saudi Arabia’s main threats, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem, when it mattered most.
