Calvin Oftana a game-time decision in Gilas Pilipinas' KO match vs. Saudi Arabia
National team head coach Tim Cone said Oftana's availability will be decided on the fly for their qualification game, set for 12 a.m. Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Oftana was visibly in pain with 3:19 left in their game against Iraq last Saturday after he hurt his right ankle while going for a rebound and entangling with big man Ihab Al-Zuhairi near the free throw line.
The TNT sharpshooter never returned to the court since being helped to the bench, finishing with three points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in their 66-57 victory.
"[He is a] game-time decision," Cone told GMA News Online in a short message.
The ankle injury was the same one he sustained during Tropang 5G's grueling finals series against San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup just a couple of weeks ago.
In fact, the 29-year-old gunner was already doubtful for the Asia Cup as he sat out their friendly game against the Macau Black Bears last July 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
?With Oftana's status uncertain, Gilas will lean more on Justin Brownlee alongside other usual suspects Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo as they shoot for a QF spot.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
Gilas coach Tim Cone on Justin Brownlee heroics vs Saudi Arabia: 'That's not unusual'
Justin Brownlee's game-saving performance against Saudi Arabia was nothing out of the ordinary for Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, who has watched the naturalized forward hit many clutch shots in his career. Brownlee buried a clutch three-pointer to force a 79-all deadlock in the regulation and eventually drag the Saudis to overtime during their qualification to quarterfinals duel in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. He then linked up with the young guns Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and AJ Edu to close out a 95-88 victory. But for Cone, Brownlee's latest magical performance was just another chapter in a story he's seen unfold many times before. "It was a special game. It was a special performance by both teams. The home team really came to play and they were phenomenal," Cone said in the post-game press conference. "They posed a lot of problems for us and by all rights, they had the game won except for the guy sitting to my right who hit the big shots. If you know his history, that's not unusual. He's been hitting big shots." Cone and Brownlee's relationship goes beyond the national team as the two were behind a number of titles for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, many of which were made possible by the latter's clutch plays. On the international stage, Cone has witnessed Brownlee work his magic as well, most notably during their historic gold medal run at the 19th Asian Games in 2023, where the naturalized forward showcased his scoring prowess. In their game against China in the semifinals, Brownlee detonated for 33 points to help the Philippines return to the Asian Games finals again after 33 years. He then led the offense in the finals against Jordan to end the country's 61-year gold medal drought. "I'm his coach in his club team and when we played the Asian Games, he was hitting big shots so this is nothing foreign to Justin," Cone added. "Then we came out and played very well in the overtime, really got the groove going, got some momentum. But man, what a special game that was." For Brownlee, the game was one to remember, as he credited both his teammates and the opposing side for giving fans a special contest. "I agree with coach, it was a great game. The host team came out and showed great support from the fans and as a player, these are the games you dream about and you really look forward to playing," said Brownlee, who finished with a team-high 29 points. "Just gotta give credit to both teams. Luckily, we came away with the win and advanced in this tournament." —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
Justin Brownlee forever: PH sports fans celebrate Brownlee's Gilas heroics
Justin Brownlee is Justin Brownlee. From Barangay Ginebra to Gilas Pilipinas, Brownlee proved again on Tuesday that he has ice in his veins and his 'Never Say Die' attitude will always be on display for the Philippines. In the quarterfinals qualifiers against Saudi Arabia, Brownlee drilled the game-tying triple which forced overtime and handed the Philippines five more minutes to claim the win. That shot was heard not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in the Philippines where fans stayed up late to watch the midnight thriller. "JB!! Time and time again," San Miguel Beer's Chris Ross wrote on X (formerly Twitter) during the match. JB!! Time and time again — Chris Ross (@cmross6) August 11, 2025 "Justin Brownlee forever!" echoed Benilde Blazers and Strong Group Athletics head coach Charles Tiu. Justin Brownlee forever! — Charles Tiu (@charlestiu) August 11, 2025 "Phl remains undefeated vs Saudi Arabia in 4 meetings. Thanks to our young guns and of course Kabayan JB," former Philippine Sports Commission chair and ex-PBA commissioner Noli Eala said on X. "But certainly the gap is getting closer. For now lets savor this win. Gilas is in the Quarters. Mabuhay!" Phl remains undefeated vs Saudi Arabia in 4 meetings. Thanks to our young guns and of course Kabayan JB. But certainly the gap is getting closer. For now lets savor this win. Gilas is in the Quarters. Mabuhay ???????? — Noli Eala (@NoliEala) August 11, 2025 Former Gilas Pilipinas and current TNT head coach Chot Reyes congratulated the nationals as well. "Amazing what happens when you don't give up. Congrats Gilas!" he posted on Instagram. For Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, however, Brownlee magic is not necessarily new to him. "I'm his coach in his club team and when we played the Asian Games, he was hitting big shots so this is nothing foreign to Justin," Cone said. "Then we came out and played very well in the overtime, really got the groove going, got some momentum. But man, what a special game that was." Gilas Pilipinas will play Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- GMA Network
2025 FIBA Asia Cup: Gilas Pilipinas vs Saudi Arabia
Gilas Pilipinas escaped host Saudi Arabia in a tight overtime encounter, 95-88, to enter the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup on Thursday (Philippine time) in Jeddah. Justin Brownlee sent the game into overtime with a clutch three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left before getting a lift from Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and AJ Edu in the extra period, where Filipinos outscored their opponents, 16-9. Brownlee led Gilas with 29 points while Edu and Quiambao added 17 apiece in the win. The Philippines will take on Australia in the quarterfinal round. Here are photos from the game: —JMB, GMA Integrated News
