Saudi Arabia coach braces for 'very difficult' playoff game vs. Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup

Saudi Arabia coach Ricard Casas is preparing for what he describes as a difficult game against the Philippines as both nations shoot for a quarterfinals spot at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. 

The hosts and the Filipinos will clash on Tuesday midnight in the qualification to the quarterfinals and Casas acknowledges it won't be an easy contest. 

"Thank you very much [to the fans] because they supported us. We feel their support and we need more," Casas said following their 84-59 win over India on Saturday.

"We need more. We have our next match, it’s not [gonna be] easy, it’s very difficult. But everyday is difficult so we’ll give our best."

READ MORE | What's next for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup?

The world no. 65 Saudi Arabia opened its campaign against higher-ranked China and absorbed a narrow 93-88 loss. 

But they bounced back right away the next game, pulling off a 77-73 escape against Jordan behind Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, who posted an all-around outing of 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals to lead their first Asia Cup win in 12 years. 

Abdur-Rahkman picked up where he left off and logged 14 markers, six boards, and five dimes top star in their crucial 84-59 win against Jordan to close out Group C at second spot and set up a playoff duel against the Philippines. 

Casas, a Spanish tactician, said all they can do now is make the most of the limited hours left before facing a Philippine team that Saudi Arabia has yet to beat at the FIBA level.

"Of course it’s very important in these next hours to prepare for the game because we’ll play against a good team, the Philippines," Casas added.

"It’s top-level in the FIBA rankings, they have excellent players."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News