Brownlee’s Clutch Heroics Send Gilas Pilipinas to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Quarterfinals

Gilas Pilipinas stormed into the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after outlasting host nation Saudi Arabia, 95-88, in an electrifying overtime showdown at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, Philippine time).

Once again, Justin Brownlee rose to the occasion—drilling a contested triple with seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 79 and force overtime. The naturalized forward finished with 29 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a block, proving once more that he thrives when the stakes are highest.

Young Guns Step Up

It wasn’t just Brownlee’s night. AJ Edu and Kevin Quiambao delivered in crunch time, each scoring 17 points. Edu added 11 rebounds and four assists, dominating the paint on both ends, while Quiambao drained a key two triples in overtime and contributed three assists, three steals, and a rebound. Dwight Ramos also came alive, providing solid support support throughout the game, posting 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a block.

Late Rally Forces Overtime

Saudi Arabia looked in control late, leading 77-71 with just 1:33 left after Mohammed Alsuwailem scored inside. But Brownlee ignited Gilas’ comeback with a free throw and mid-range jumper. Quiambao then setup Edu under the basket to bring the deficit down to one. Alsuwailem pushed the lead back to three, but Brownlee’s game-tying triple moments later silenced the home crowd and sent the game into OT.

Philippines Seizes Control in Extra Period

In overtime, Quiambao’s triple gave Gilas an 82-79 edge before Ramos, Edu, and Brownlee piled on the points. Dagger threes from Edu and Quiambao extended the cushion to 94-83, sealing the win despite Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman’s 33-point explosion for the hosts.

WATCH: Gilas Pilipinas vs. Saudi Arabia (August 12, 2025) Game Highlights

Key Numbers Behind the Win

Gilas shot 50% from the field (37/74) compared to Saudi’s 44.87% (35/78), won the rebounding battle 47-37, dished out 23 assists to 13, and blocked more shots (4-2). At the free-throw line, the Philippines had a clear advantage—70.59% to Saudi’s 45.45%.

Next Stop: Defending Champions

With the victory, the Philippines secured a place in the last eight, setting up a quarterfinal clash with two-time defending champion Australia.

After starting the tournament with two straight losses, Gilas Pilipinas is now riding a two-game winning streak and carrying plenty of momentum into their toughest challenge yet.