THE Philippines continues its hunt a the FIBA World Cup berth when it battles Jordan and Iran in late August for the second round of the 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has confirmed the famed sports venue in Pasay City as the site for window four of the Asian Qualifiers.
Gilas Pilipinas hopes playing before an expected home town crowd will do wonders as the national team tries to arrest a four-game losing skid and revive its campaign to earn a World Cup berth for the fourth straight time since 2014.
The Tim Cone-coached national team opens its Group E campaign against Jordan on Friday, Aug. 28, starting at 8:30 p.m.
Gilas Pilipinas then returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 30 against many-time Asian basketball champion Iran at 8 p.m.
The Philippines (2-4) is bunched in Group E with unbeaten Australia (6-0) and New Zealand (4-2) as well as West Asian squads Iran (5-1), Jordan (5-1) and Syria (2-4).
The fourth window starts on Aug. 28 with Syria taking on Australia at 2 p.m., followed by the Iran-New Zealand match at 5 p.m.
On Aug. 30, Australia battles Jordan at 2 p.m. followed by the 5 p.m. collision between New Zealand and Syria.
The Philippines is coming off a heartbreaking 106-102 double overtime loss to New Zealand and a 92-49 spanking by Australia during window 3 of the Asian Qualifiers.
