Philippines vs Kazakhstan - Prediction & Analysis (8:30 p.m Perth Time)

After six days of top basketball action, the FIBA Asia Championship 2013 has now reached its boiling point with the quarterfinal round all set to unfold on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines, the host country for the 2013 edition of the prestigious Asian Basketball cagefest, made the most of their advantage of playing before the home crowd as they clinched the no.1 seed in Group E by edging Qatar and Chinese Taipei (All with 4-1 slate after two rounds) via quotient system.

As a result, the Philippines has now arranged a quarterfinal clash with Asian basketball rival Kazakhstan for a seat in the semifinal round on Friday.

Related Article: Fiba Asia 2013 News Update, Results, Scenarios: Qatar Edges Chinese Taipei To Set Up Quarterfinal Date With South Korea; Philippines To Face Kazakhstan

The Philippine national basketball team, also known as Smart Gilas Pilipinas, will enter the knockout stages as the proverbial favourite against the Kazakhs. Needless to say, Kazakhstan still poses a threat to the Filipino despite its poor showing in the second round.

After topping an undoubtedly weaker Group D, the Kazakhs were totally pummeled in the second round by Asian powers Iran, China, and South Korea. Moreover, the injury to star point guard Jerri Johnson also didn't help their cause. The result? A quarterfinal date with the Philippines in what will be a boisterous playing environment tomorrow.

Related Article: FIBA Asian 2013: Quarterfinal Schedule, Preview, Predictions - China vs Taiwan, Iran vs Jordan, South Korea vs Qatar

The Philippines is all expected to bring the same kind of energy they had in their last three games. Naturalized Filipino center Marcus Douthit appeared to be in good condition, following a scare against Qatar on Tuesday. In addition, the Philippines will also bank on a one-day rest, giving them enough time to regroup for the tough grind ahead.

Analysis and Prediction

A victory is very much a possibility for the Filipinos as long as they continue to shoot well from the three-point line. With Douthit pounding his way inside, the Filipino had all the time in the world to knock down their shots behind the three-point line, converting 36.2 percent of their treys. The Philippines also have to run the ball consistently to offset the Kazakhs' height advantage.

On the other hand, the Kazakhs need to slow the phase of the game because speed is not going to be their friend. More post-up plays and solid defense will keep the Kazakhs within striking distance and who knows what could happen next.

In perhaps the biggest tournament of their lives, the Filipinos will not let this game slip away. The Philippines will crush Kazakhstan from the get-go on their way to a swashbuckling win on their home court. Philippines by 15 points.

FIBA Asia Livestreaming Quarterfinals: Watch Live Streaming: FIBA Asia Semifinals: Philippines vs South Korea; Iran vs. Chinese Taipei (Preview & Online Streaming)

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