EDDAH – Khalid Abdel Gabar and Saudi Arabia are out for revenge when they face the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualification to Quarter-Finals.
The seasoned playmaker still recalls their 76-63 loss to Gilas in the fifth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers back in November 2022.
Even more frustrating, they lost on their own stomping grounds and before their own fans at the King Abdullah Sports City here.
Years later, the crew now finds itself with an opportunity to atone for that disappointing showing and reach the competition’s final eight.
“The last time we played them, I think they beat us, so we wanna obviously get the revenge back,” Abdel Gabar said in a story published on the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 website.
“But altogether, it’s gonna be a great game.”
The Saudis set up the duel after an 84-59 drubbing of India on Saturday night, finishing as the second-best team in Group C with a 2-1 record.
They enter the Final Phase riding a two-game winning streak — an achievement in itself after going 0-3 in the previous Asia Cup.
(C) FIBA
“We’re 0-3 in the last Asia Cup in Indonesia, and now we’ve won two games. Great start. We just gotta keep it up,” reflected the 34-year-old, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and seven assists against the South Asian side.
They want to reach the quarterfinals — which, if achieved, would be their first since 2005 in Qatar — but the team knows it’s easier said than done, with one of their tormentors standing in the way.
The Philippines and KSA will be meeting for the fourth time in the FIBA stage, with their first three ending in favor of the Pinoy team.
In their upcoming clash, the Filipino dribblers also carry momentum, buoyed by their 66-57 victory over Iraq to secure third place in Group D.
Can the hosts finally take down the Southeast Asian powerhouse? That remains to be seen. What’s sure, though, is that Abdel Gabar looks forward to the chance.
“The Philippines is a great team. They’re gonna have their crowd here, we’re gonna have our crowd; I think it’s gonna be a full gym. We’re excited for the competition,” he said.
Game time is on Tuesday at 12:00 AM (midnight) Manila time.
