Progress or retrogress

Gilas teeters on a tightrope at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah. Coach Tim Cone's squad faces host Saudi Arabia at midnight today (Manila time) with either progress or retrogress in the balance.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

A win will advance the national team to the quarterfinals, something Gilas failed to do at the previous FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta three years ago. A loss will end Gilas' campaign with the possibility of finishing lower than ninth place, which was its finish in Jakarta.

Only Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo were retained from the last Gilas ensemble, which lost to Lebanon, 95-80, New Zealand, 92-75, and Japan, 102-81, while beating only India, 101-59. Gilas wound up third in its group then lost to Japan in the playoff for a quarterfinals slot. This year, Gilas also finished third in its group. If Gilas loses to Saudi, the quotient system will decide its final placing, starting from ninth spot. If it wins, defending back-to-back champion Australia awaits in the quarterfinals.