Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Manila South dropped its first assignment, 21-14, in the opening day of the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters but its head coach Jerry Abuyabor still found a reason to smile despite the loss.
Parading the youngest players among the 12-team field, Manila South gave everything it could and it showed—staying in step with the more experienced and bigger Auckland team.
“We didn’t expect the game to be close especially in the first four minutes,” said Abuyabor.
“I’m blessed to be able to coach these four young guys,” Abuyabor added, referring to Jair Igna, Carlo Ortega, Lucky Ecarma and Joshua Sinclair.
Manila South is among the three teams representing the Philippines in the tournament. Manila West and Manila North, squads composed of professional players and an amateur standout, both won in their opening games.
Manila West and Manila South will go at it later in the evening.
Auckland avenged its 21-18 loss to Manila West earlier. The New Zealand-based side exploited its huge size advantage.
“We’re satisfied because you can see it in their eyes that they wanted to give their best. And there’s no other satisfaction than seeing your players give their best.”