Slaughter out, Standhardinger and Castro in for Final 12 in Gilas vs. Iran

Christian Standhardinger and Jayson Castro are back in the national men's basketball team lineup for the Philippines' game against Iran in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday night.

The announcement was released by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Sunday afternoon.

Standhardinger will serve as the country's reinforcement in lieu of Stanley Pringle, who made 29 big points in Gilas' loss against Kazakhstan last Friday.

Castro will return to action, together with Troy Rosario, after serving their three-game suspension due to the brawl against Australia last July.

Arwind Santos will also play for the first time since being called again to don the national colors after nine years.

The full lineup includes:

• Japeth Aguilar
• Beau Belga
• June Mar Fajardo
• Marcio Lassiter
• Gabe Norwood
• Troy Rosario
• Arwind Santos
• Christian Standhardinger
• LA Tenorio
• Scottie Thompson
• Jayson Castro
• Matthew Wright

LOOK: Here’s ???????? 12-man lineup vs. Iran ????????????????????????#LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/5pPSMAYYF8

— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 2, 2018

Monday's game against Iran will be a crucial one as the Philippines is currently tied with Japan in third place of Group F with a 5-4 record. Only the top three teams from the two groups this second round, and the best fourth-placed team will proceed to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. — BM, GMA News