The FIBA Asia Championship 2013 has now reached its boiling point. On Sunday evening, the Philippines and Iran will square it off in what will surely be one of the most emotional championships in the history of Asian basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.

Iran punched their way back to the finals following another dominant performance against Chinese Taipei, 79-60. The core group of Hamed Haddadi, Mehdi Kamrany, and Samad Nikkah Bahrami were simply too good for the Taiwanese side to handle. On the other hand, the Chinese Taipei's efficient three-point shooting finally reached its limit as Iranian defense totally smothered them in every ball possession.

On the other hand, the Philippines overcame a series of setbacks to their big men and a huge fourth quarter rally from the Koreans to take a 86-79 victory on Saturday. Jason Williams scored a team-high 17 points while Marc Pingris chalked up a double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds) for the Philippines.

When it all counted the most, the Filipinos leaned on Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag, who both delivered clutch plays to book their ticket in next year's FIBA World Cup in Spain. Mingoo Kim was superb throughout the entire game, firing 27 points on 60 percent shooting. But in the end, the Filipinos' fighting spirit prevailed in what's considered as an all-time classic in international basketball arena.

With the finals casts already complete, here are the five things basketball fans should look ahead in this evening's championship battle between Iran and the Philippines.

'Tall' Order For The Philippines

Hamed Haddadi's dominance and Mehdi Kamrany's passing savvy could spell trouble for the Philippines in the championship game. Without Marcus Douthit, the Philippines will be forced to play small ball again, which gives Haddadi all the luxury for easy put-back points. If this happens, Iran is on its way to a blowout win in Manila.

Sakuragi Rises To Occasion Again

Marc Pingris, hailed as the Pinoy Sakuragi, might be too small for the center or power forward position but the intensity and athleticism he brings to the game should not be overlooked. His speed at his position will create trouble for less agile Haddadi down the lane, forcing Iran's defense to scramble and leave Filipino shooters open from the perimeter. The Filipinos can explode and they can do it in a big way.

Iranian Wing Supremacy

Samad Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Afagh have been wreaking havoc throughout the entire tourney. On Sunday, they can do the same kind of damage as well against an undersized Filipino lineup. Bahrami, a veteran of multiple FIBA Asia Championships, is an all-around wing player with good handles and agility for a 6-foot-7 player. Afagh, on the other hand, brings outside sniping which has been a problem for the Filipino every game.

Speed Makes Difference

Despite having a lineup that lacks height, the Philippines successfully offset this disadvantage by running the ball consistently. In the semifinal match against Korea, the Philippines field three point guards on the floor at the same time with Jason William, Jimmy Alapag, and L.A Tenorio running the show. If the Philippines can be able to control the pace, they can really hurt the Iranians whose real strength is in the half-court.

Nail-Biting Finish

The Philippines and Iranians have already figured in several thrilling matches before. That would certainly pale in comparison to what could happen later at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Iranian has never been pushed to their limit in this tournament, and that alone could give the Filipinos a chance to grind out another epic win before the home crowd.

Related Story: Watch Online Livestream: FIBA Asia Finals - Philippines vs Iran; South Korea vs. Chinese Taipei

REPLAY (Philippines vs. South Korea Classic Semis)