Gilas settles for 1-1 after loss to Mongolia in Fiba 3×3 World Cup

The Mongolians take down the hosts. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

BOCAUE, Bulacan—The Philippines split its first two games in the group stage after it lost to Mongolia, 21-17, in the Fiba 3×3 World Cup Saturday at Philippine Arena.

Gilas started off strong in the tournament and surprised Brazil, 15-7, in Pool C but their loss against the hot shooting Mongolians put them on a 1-1 card at the end day of Day 1.

The Philippines initially held momentum at the start of the game with Roger Pogoy capping off an 8-3 run with a deep ball.

Mongolia, however, quickly changed the tide and tied the game at 10-10 after Tsereenbaatar Enkhtaivan drove on Troy Rosario for the layup.

Pogoy then had the unfortunate fate of getting called with an unsportsmanlike foul, one that ultimately changed the game in favor of the Mongolians, on Tsenguunbayar Gotov who tied the game at 11-11.

Gotov then extended Mongolia’s lead to 15-12 with a two-pointer with Enkhtaivan pushing the Mongols’ lead to 18-14 with an and-one layup.

Christian Standhardinger gave Gilas one last glimmer of hope with a layup to cut Mongolia’s lead to two, 19-17, but Enkhtaivan immediately delivered the dagger of a game-winner from deep.

“We had our chances, and it’s all about knowing how to win in the end,” said Gilas head coach Ronnie Magsanoc. “Of course, no excuses for us because I thought we had chances to stay ahead but there were a lot of factors like team chemistry and defensive breakdowns.”

“One thing I learned from watching the elite teams, when they get at 19 they’ll take the two-point shot no matter what. So we’re still there, but they closed out out with the two-pointer so we have to learn quickly and perform better.”

Stanley Pringle had six points to lead Gilas while Pogoy and Troy Rosario each had four points with Standhardinger adding three.

Gotov was mongolia’s top scorer with seven points with Enkhtaivan and Delgernyam Davaasambuu had six points apiece while Dulguun Enkhbat had two.

They return to action on Monday against Canada and Russia.

In the earlier games, world no.1 Serbia topped Pool A with a 2-0 card after wins over New Zealand, 22-13, and the Netherlands, 21-17.

Canada lead Pool C with a 2-0 record after wins over Mongolia, 21-15, and Russia, 20-17.

Mongolia, the Philippines, and Russia are all tied at 1-1 while Brazil is at 0-2.

Top two teams in each bracket advance to the quarterfinals on June 12.