Clutch three-pointers from Kevin Quiambao and Justin Brownlee lifted Gilas Pilipinas to a thrilling 95-88 overtime victory over host Saudi Arabia early Monday in the Qualification to Quarterfinals stage of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah.
Quiambao finished with 17 points, drilling two crucial triples in the extra period to help Gilas break free from a 79-all deadlock at the end of regulation.
Brownlee was the night’s hero, pouring in a game-high 29 points. His deep three with just 3.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter forced overtime, stunning the home crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City.
The win improved Gilas’ record to 2-2 and secured their spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face defending champions Australia, fresh off a three-game sweep of Group A.
Fueled by a roaring contingent of Filipino fans in the stands, Gilas surged ahead in the extra frame, building a commanding 12-point cushion with 48.8 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Head coach Tim Cone admitted his squad was tested to the limit by Saudi standouts Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem, who kept the contest tight with big shots and relentless play.
“They posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won—except for this guy (Brownlee),” Cone said with a smile.
Abdur-Rahkman lit up the scoreboard with 33 points, including eight triples, along with five rebounds and four assists. Alsuwailem added 26 points, but Saudi Arabia’s hopes faded when Abdur-Rahkman misfired on a potential game-winning three with five seconds left in regulation.
Aside from Brownlee and Quiambao, Gilas also got a huge lift from AJ Edu, who tallied 17 points. Edu’s third triple of the night, coming with 52.2 seconds left in overtime, stretched the Philippines’ lead to 93-84 and all but secured the victory.
