THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will take another break from its Season 50 Governors’ Cup after the quarterfinals as the pro league gives way for the fifth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers this November when Gilas Pilipinas takes on Syria and Iran on the road. League commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the second tournament break to The Manila Times, giving the national squad more time to prepare against the Syrians and Team Melli. “Yes,, while we start again (the Governors’ Cup) on Oct. 7, we will take a break again to give way to the (FIBA) window for the (Gilas games on) Nov. 27 to 30,” Marcial said. The PBA commissioner said the tournament will resume by the first week of December, and will more likely conclude through the end of the year, including a potential Christmas Day game during the Finals series. Marcial said the break, which may appear disruptive to the PBA calendar, indicates the sacrifice as well as the show of support by the PBA board of governors in their desire to see the Philippine team clinch a berth in the FIBA World Cup in Doha, Qatar in 2027. “And that’s the reason why I’m truly grateful to all the team governors for their all out support to Gilas, because the long break is indicative of the full support they are throwing behind the national team,” he added in Filipino. The Philippines plays Syrian on Nov. 27, followed by Iran on Nov. 30, with both games slated in Seremban, Malaysia. The Philippines is coming off confidence-boosting victories over Jordan and Iran during the fourth window held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in August. The two-game home sweep saw the Philippines, playing minus injured naturalized player Justin Brownlee, welcome the return of young big man Kai Sotto to the national squad. The 7-foot-3 Sotto averaged 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and three assists as he provided the huge inside presence to tow Gilas Pilipinas to back-to-back wins. The Philippines is currently carrying an even 4-4 record in Group E, behind Australia (8-0), New Zealand (6-2), Iran (5-3) and Jordan (5-3). Only the top three teams per group and the best fourth-placed team will advance to the World Cup. The PBA is at the tailend of its two-month break to give Gilas Pilipinas time to train for the two international tournaments — the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers, as well as the Asian Games. But the pro league is scheduled to resume its season-ending tournament on Oct. 7, featuring defending champion TNT going up against Terrafirma, while NLEX tangles with Macau.