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Indonesia won automatic qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 after it was named the host of the continental match on Friday.
So what will be the implication of this in Group A of the Qualifiers that includes the hosts Gilas Pilipinas, South Korea and Thailand?
The Philippines are currently 3-0 in the Qualifiers and are just one win away from qualifying for the Asian Cup. South Korea follows with 2-0, while Indonesia is 1-2. Sitting in last place is Thailand at 0-4 and is at a loss from being eliminated.
There are three scenarios that can happen according to Tiebreaker Times columnist Enzo Flojo, as Indonesia, again, is already in the tournament proper.
If Indonesia somehow makes a miracle run in the February window at Clark, Pampanga and finishes first or second, the next team in the top two will also score their ticket to the Asian Cup. The team in third place will have to fight for their place in Group A of the second round. The top two teams from Group A will advance to the Asian Cup.
On the other hand, if Indonesia remains in third place after six matches, it will still have to play in Group A of the second round, but there will only be one spot at stake.
If Thailand defeats Indonesia at Clark and places it in fourth place, the Thais will advance to Group A of the second round. However, only one Asian Cup ticket will be up for grabs for the group. This is the only possible scenario in which the four nations from the original Group A can compete in Indonesia.
So yes, the stakes are still high in the final window of the Qualifiers set February 18-22, 2021.
