GILAS Pilipinas can absorb a loss of up to 37 points against China and still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games men’s basketball tournament.
With Groups A and B already completed, Saudi Arabia finished third in Group A with a minus-11 point differential, while Iran ended Group B at minus-five.
The Philippines enters its final Group C game against China this noon with a plus-27 point differential after losing to Bahrain, 89-85, and defeating Kazakhstan, 109-78.
Based on the current standings, Gilas could lose to China by as many as 37 points and finish with a minus-10 differential.
That would keep the Philippines ahead of Saudi Arabia and place the defending champions in position to claim one of the two best third-place quarterfinal berths.
However, a 38-point defeat would bring Gilas down to minus-11, creating a tie with Saudi Arabia and potentially forcing the tournament’s additional tiebreaker procedures.
The equation is clear for the Philippines: a loss by 37 points or fewer should be enough to preserve its quarterfinal hopes, while a defeat by 38 points or more could put its title defense in danger.
Gilas faces China at noon on Monday, Philippine time, in its final Group C preliminary-round game. (Adrian Co)
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