Boomer recalls 'wild' 2018 Philippines brawl

• Australia take on the Philippines in the quarterfinal of the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia from 9pm (AEST)
• The Boomers are unbeaten having defeated Lebanon, Qatar and South Korea
• Australia and the Philippines haven't played each other since the infamous 2018 brawl

Boomers legends are hopeful history won’t repeat when Australia play the Philippines in a blockbuster Asia Cup quarter-final tonight in the first clash between the two nations since the horrific all-in brawl in 2018 which sparked global headlines, Matt Logue from CODE Sports reports.

The eyes of the basketball world will be locked in on Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from 9pm (AEST) when the Australians renew their rivalry with the Gilas.

Chaos reigned the last time the Boomers and the Philippines clashed in a 2019 World Cup qualifier at the Philippine Arena on July 2 in ‘18. A total of 13 players from both teams were ejected after a wild brawl broke out during the third-quarter of a heated clash.

No players involved in the infamous game are left on the current Boomers squad, but two players remain on the Philippines side.

“I still get asked about that brawl all the time,” former Boomers guard, Jason Cadee, who played in the 2018 game said.

“It is one of those moments that you’ll never forget, but it also feels like a long time ago now and there is a lot that has gone on since.”

Cadee was right in the middle of all the craziness with blue Filipino singlets everywhere.

“I remember seeing Blatche running past me with his fist clenched coming for Kickert and I was like, ‘holy sh*t, this has gone wild’,” he said.

The current Boomers side head into Wednesday’s quarter-final match-up against the Philippines full of confidence following an unbeaten start to their Asia Cup campaign.

For the full story, visit CODE Sports Basketball here.