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Gilas to face Saudi in Guangzhou Asiad opener


The Smart-Gilas Pilipinas team drew unpredictable Saudi Arabia as its initial opponent in a virtual first-round knockout match in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. The nationals are in a must-win situation against the Saudis in Group B for them to advance to the second round and join the likes of powerhouse Iran, Chinese-Taipei, Qatar and Japan. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala bared the scenario after formally receiving the official result of the drawing of lots Thursday from Guangzhou. The other preliminary pairings will have Hong Kong taking on North Korea in Group A, Turkmenistan and Mongolia in Group C, and Afghanistan and India in Group D. Defending champion China banners the seeded teams that are assured to advance in the second round along with South Korea, Jordan and Uzbekistan. The top team to emerge in Groups A and C will join the Chinese and the rest of the squads in the next round. Although not considered a basketball power, the Saudis remain a formidable opponent for the RP squad, according to coach Rajko Toroman. "It's going to be tough," he admitted. "While we've already met most of the teams competing in the Asian Games, we really have to come in prepared against (Saudi)." The Nationals have not faced the Saudi national team since it was first formed two years ago, although they did meet and beat a club team from the same Middle East country during a stint in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar last May. The nationals needed an overtime period to prevail, 100-95, against Al Hilal in the one-game battle for seventh place during the Champions Cup. Al Hilal was mostly composed of members of Saudi Arabia’s national team. The survivors in the crossover quarterfinals advance to the semifinals of the November 12 to 27 meet. Although the groupings appear to favor the RP squad, Toroman said it is imperative for the nationals to win their first game. “First, we have to get past Saudi Arabia." – JVP, GMANews.TV

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