Gilas Pilipinas’ games in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in November have been postponed to next year due to travel restrictions in several East and Southeast Asia countries.

Instead of pushing through with a home-and-away format, FIBA announced that all Group A games in the first and second windows will be held inside a bubble to be hosted by the Philippines in February.

Originally scheduled to face Korea twice in the first window on November 25 and 28, the Philippines has to wait until next year as it eyes another sweep of the Asian powerhouse.

The Filipinos beat the Koreans twice at home soil in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in June.

Aside from Korea, the Philippines will also host other Group A teams New Zealand and India, which were initially slated to tangle in back-to-back matches on November 25 and 28.

Group B games will also be held in a bubble, with Japan hosting China on November 27 and 28.

Meanwhile, the two Group B games between Australia and Chinese Taipei will both be staged in February.

Group C and D games will follow the regular home-and-away setup.

“FIBA will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis and will communicate further updates in regard to FIBA competitions when necessary,” the federation said in a statement. – Rappler.com