Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Host nation Saudi Arabia bowed out of the FIBA Asia Cup in agonizing fashion on Monday, falling 95-88 to the Philippines after overtime in a gripping playoff clash for a quarterfinal spot.

The Saudis, chasing their first quarterfinal appearance since 2005, pushed the more experienced Philippines to the brink before Justin Brownlee’s clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds forced overtime.

The Philippines, known as “Gilas,” then pulled away in the extra period to set up a quarterfinal meeting with two-time defending champion Australia.

Brownlee led the way with 29 points, including three triples, to go with five assists and four rebounds in a complete performance.

AJ Edu added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and a key block, while Kevin Quiambao came up big in overtime with 17 points.

For Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Ali Abdulrahman was sensational, pouring in 33 points — including eight three-pointers — alongside five rebounds and four assists in a standout display.

The Philippines controlled the opening quarter through Brownlee’s shooting, Edu’s inside dominance, and Quiambao’s scoring to take a double-digit lead.

But Saudi Arabia roared back in the second, with Abdulrahman hitting back-to-back threes and Musab Qadi adding another in a 14-1 run that briefly put the hosts ahead.

With Mohammed Al-Suwailem joining Abdulrahman in the third-quarter surge, the Saudis held the edge for much of the period before Scottie Thompson’s late drive gave the visitors a 60-59 lead entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter swung dramatically, as Abdulrahman’s seventh three and a corner triple from Marzouq Al-Muwallad stretched Saudi Arabia’s lead to six. But Brownlee and Edu sparked the Philippines’ rally.

With eight seconds remaining and Saudi Arabia up 79-76 after Al-Suwailem’s putback, Brownlee rose over Al-Muwallad to drain the game-tying three, stunning the home crowd and forcing overtime.

The extra period belonged to the Philippines, with Quiambao striking first from deep and adding another later, while Ramos and Brownlee extended the gap. Edu’s decisive triple inside the final minute sealed Saudi Arabia’s fate.