Calvin Oftana a game-time decision in Gilas Pilipinas' KO match vs. Saudi Arabia

Gilas Pilipinas could have a manpower shortage in its knockout game against host Saudi Arabia in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup with Calvin Oftana a game-time decision due to an ankle injury.

National team head coach Tim Cone said Oftana’s availability will be decided on the fly for their qualification game, set for 12 a.m. Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Oftana was visibly in pain with 3:19 left in their game against Iraq last Saturday after he hurt his right ankle while going for a rebound and entangling with big man Ihab Al-Zuhairi near the free throw line.  

The TNT sharpshooter never returned to the court since being helped to the bench, finishing with three points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in their 66-57 victory. 

"[He is a] game-time decision," Cone told GMA News Online in a short message. 

The ankle injury was the same one he sustained during Tropang 5G's grueling finals series against San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup just a couple of weeks ago. 

In fact, the 29-year-old gunner was already doubtful for the Asia Cup as he sat out their friendly game against the Macau Black Bears last July 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

?With Oftana's status uncertain, Gilas will lean more on Justin Brownlee alongside other usual suspects Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo as they shoot for a QF spot.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News