Gilas Pilipinas will continue its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in Doha as Qatar took over the hosting of Group A in the third and final window in February.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) had to call off the Philippines’ hosting of Groups A and C in Clark, Pampanga due to travel restrictions in the country brought by the new coronavirus strain.

“We would have loved to host Groups A and C in Clark but things beyond our control made it necessary to adjust our plans and we thank everyone for their flexibility,” SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

The third window is slated to run from February 18 to 22, but the SBP said it is still in communication with the Qatar Basketball Federation to determine the final schedule.

Originally supposed to host only 4 teams in Group E – which is composed of Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar – Doha will now host 12 teams after also accommodating Groups A and B.

The Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand comprise Group A, while Chinese Taipei, Japan, Malaysia, and China make up Group B.

“Our national team pool was saddened when they found out they won’t be playing in Clark but they did not slow down with their preparations,” Panlilio said.

“Now with the pool nearing completion and a definite location for their games, the SBP is confident that they will step it up into another gear.”

Currently training in a bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, Gilas Pilipinas – which leads Group A with a 3-0 record – needs to win at least 1 of its 3 games in the third window to clinch its Asia Cup seat.

The Philippines will face South Korea twice and Indonesia once in the third window. – Rappler.com