Manila West arranges Fiba 3×3 semis duel with Manila North

Terrence Romeo rolls to the basket. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Terrence Romeo set the tone and Manila West beat China’s Longshi, 21-19, to setup a semifinals showdown with Manila North in the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters Sunday at Robinson’s Place Manila.

The Globalport guard Romeo caused problems for Longshi with his exceptional ball handling and deadly outside shot.

READ: Manila North outmuscles Kobe of Japan, makes Fiba 3×3 semis

A wide open two-pointer by Romeo put Manila West ahead, 19-12, with only 2:30 left but Longshi mounted a rally and threatened to steal the game after cutting the lead down to one, 20-19.

Rey Guevarra sealed the game on a beeline drive with 32.5 seconds to spare.

READ: Fiba 3×3: Doha squeaks past Ljubljana to enter semis

“I thought we played well until the last minute where we didn’t play smart and allowed Longshi to comeback,” said Manila North and West coach Eric Altamirano.

Both Manila squads square off at 4:30 p.m.

“It’s going to be an interesting game and a pretty close one,” Altamirano said on the duel.

READ: Fiba 3×3: Novi Sad advances to the semifinals

“Manila West has a perimeter game working well for them. They thrive on their offense while the North on defense, hustle and effort.”

Manila North entered the semis after surviving Kobe of Japan, 21-19, in a heated encounter.

“I’m sure the two teams are going to play hard. Both teams would want to get into the finals.” CFC