Snapping their misfortune in the international stage will be the ultimate mission when Gilas Pilipinas faces Lebanon in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier Friday at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Beirut.

With National Basketball Association stalwart Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto at the helm, the Filipinos will hit the court at 2 a.m. (Manila time), eager to prove themselves anew and gun for a victory that will put a screeching halt to their string of international heartaches.

Only 12 in the 13-man pool will be listed in the official roster, making it tough for Gilas tactician Chot Reyes to choose who will sit out among Gilas mainstays Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks and Carl Tamayo.

Also in the pool are Philippine Basketball Association stars Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Calvin Oftana of NLEX and newcomers Chris Newsome of Meralco, Jaime Malonzo of NorthPort and free-agent Roosevelt Adams.

The Philippines is sporting a 2-2 card with its only wins coming at the expense of India while suffering lopsided losses to powerhouse New Zealand in the previous windows of this tourney that stakes tickets to the FIBA World Cup next year.

Outside the qualifiers, the Filipinos are struggling as well.

They suffered forgettable finishes in the FIBA Asia Cup and the 31st Southeast Asian Games, prompting the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to regroup and solicit the support of all stakeholders to assemble a team that will redeem the country's shattered pride in the international stage.

With new talents composed of Utah Jazz swingman Clarkson, Thompson, Malonzo and Newsome in the backcourt, Filipino fans can expect a fast-paced ball movement, airtight defense and fluid attacks never before seen in the previous Gilas squad.

Sotto said it's about time for them to flex their muscles and prove that they are among the best players in Asia.

"We've been through some challenges this past couple of games and it's going to be exciting for us to come back to show that we belong at the top stage," said Sotto, who joined Gilas in a light workout shortly after arriving in Beirut on Wednesday.