Two-time reigning champion Australia and fellow heavyweights Iran, China, and New Zealand have booked the first four quarterfinal spots at the 31st FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after sweeping their groups with identical 3-0 records. Australia topped Group A, Iran led Group B, China went unbeaten in Group C, and New Zealand ruled Group D. All four group winners earn a two-day break before the Final Eight, which tips off Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City.
The remaining quarterfinal berths will be decided through the qualification playoffs featuring the teams that finished second and third in each group. Chinese Taipei and Jordan opened the play-in phase Monday (Manila time), followed by Gilas Pilipinas versus host Saudi Arabia around midnight Tuesday (Manila time). South Korea meets Guam and Japan faces Lebanon later Tuesday night.
Group runners-up and third-placers are as follows:
– Group A: South Korea and Lebanon
– Group B: Japan and Guam
– Group C: Saudi Arabia and Jordan
– Group D: Chinese Taipei and the Philippines
Quarterfinal pathways:
– Winner of Chinese Taipei vs Jordan advances to face Iran
– Winner of Philippines vs Saudi Arabia earns a showdown with Australia
– Winner of South Korea vs Guam meets China
– Winner of Japan vs Lebanon takes on New Zealand
Added context and outlook
– The format rewards group winners with extra rest and preparation time, a tangible edge in a compact tournament. It also reduces injury risk and allows top seeds to scout their potential opponents.
– For Gilas Pilipinas, a victory over the hosts would set up a marquee test against Australia, the two-time defending champions. While the Boomers are favored on form, knockout basketball often turns on defense, foul trouble, and late-game execution—factors that can tighten any contest.
– Traditional powers Iran and China sit on opposite sides of the bracket from Australia and New Zealand, setting the stage for compelling cross-regional styles. If results follow seeding, the Final Four could feature familiar heavyweight matchups, but the play-in round has historically produced upsets that reshape the bracket.
Positive note
– The qualification phase gives eight teams a clear, immediate path to the quarterfinals and keeps the tournament wide open for late surges. With rest days for the top seeds and high-stakes games for challengers, fans can expect a sharp uptick in intensity from here on out.
Summary
Australia, Iran, China, and New Zealand swept their groups to advance directly to the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals. The remaining four slots will be claimed through play-in matchups: Chinese Taipei vs Jordan, Philippines vs Saudi Arabia, South Korea vs Guam, and Japan vs Lebanon, with winners moving on to face the four group leaders on Wednesday.