Gilas Pilipinas advances to FIBA Asia Cup quarters, CJ Perez injures ankle

Gilas Pilipinas secured its spot in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals with a 95-88 overtime win over Saudi Arabia but suffered an ankle injury to CJ Perez during the game.

Perez was hurt when he fell on his right foot while going for a loose ball, forcing him to leave the court and be hospitalized.

The Philippines is already dealing with Calvin Oftana's aggravated right ankle sprain, which forced him out of the previous match against Iraq.

Despite being undermanned, Gilas Pilipinas managed to win thanks to key performances from Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao.

Brownlee scored 29 points, while Edu contributed with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.

With their roster now reduced to 10 players, the Philippines will face Australia on Wednesday for a chance at reaching the semifinals.