Gilas Pilipinas at the Fiba World Cup. FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines will figure in an early clash with its fiercest rival in South Korea after both teams were drawn in Group A of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Joining Gilas Pilipinas and South Korea in the group are New Zealand and India.
The last time the Philippines and South Korea played each other was just two months ago in the Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark where Gilas came away with an 81-78 win at the buzzer.
#FIBAWC Asian qualifiers draw results:
Philippines in Group A with New Zealand, South Korea, and India. pic.twitter.com/Ky1khldEej
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 31, 2021
As one of the three Fiba World Cup hosts in 2023 with Japan and Indonesia, the Philippines is already qualified for the global meet.
Australia, China, Japan and Chinese Taipei comprise Group B.
Group C consists of Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia while Iran is slotted with Kazakhstan, Syria and Bahrain.
The top three teams in each group will advance to the second round.