BOCAUE, Bulacan – Gilas Pilipinas capped off its campaign in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup with a 19-12 upset win over Russia at the Philippine Arena.
Stanley Pringle led the Philippines with 9 points. Jeth Troy Rosario added 8 markers, including three 2-pointers, while Roger Pogoy added 2.
The Philippines finished with a 2-2 win-loss slate after the Monday night match.
“I think we showed everyone we can compete in this stage,” said Christian Standhardinger, another squad member.
“We just need a little bit of experience. We won two games, and the other two were close. I think we have a good shot next time if we stick together,” he added.
The Philippines opened the match with back-to-back 2 pointers from Rosario and Pringle for a 5-1 lead. After Russia cut the deficit 3-5, Rosario and Pringle unloaded consecutive outside hits for a 14-3 edge.
The lead reached to its largest 16-4 after another outside shot from Pogoy before Russia made a final run to come to within 12-19 with under a minute left.
“It’s really unfortunate that we lost against Canada because I felt like it was ours. It was as if it was just taken from us,” Pogoy said, referring to their 19-20 loss to Canada. “We have to learn from this experience. We’re all first-timers. There are so many rules.”
For his part, Rosario hopes the program continues.
“I hope they build a team like this because it’s really fun to play,” he said. “We’re used to a 3×3 play. It’s just a matter of understanding the rules and a longer preparation time is needed.”
The Philippines finished the preliminaries on third place in Pool C behind the unbeaten Canada and Mongolia, which clinched the two quarterfinals berths in the group./PN
