Perlas Pilipinas goes winless in Fiba 3×3 World Cup

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

BOCAUE, Bulacan—The Philippines finished its campaign winless after falling to Hungary, 18-15, in the women’s division of the Fiba 3×3 World Cup Sunday at Philippine Arena.

Perlas Pilipinas exited the tournament at the bottom of Pool D with a 0-4 record.

The Hungarians finished the group stage with a 3-1 record and an accumulated 68 points edging the Dutch who also has a 3-1 card but only had 64 points after four games.

Perlas was able to get a 10-6 lead after Afril Bernardino’s driving layup, but they threaded a thin line as they were already in the penalty with 4:21 left in the game.

Hungary eventually chipped away at the lead and took a 13-11 score line after Bettina Bozóki’s four straight free throws.

Bozoki then hit a soul-crushing layup off a pick-and-roll play for Hungary’s 16-12 lead.

Despite the loss, Perlas head coach Pat Aquino hoped what they’ve done in the World Cup would eventually become the start of a Philippine women’s basketball program that will constantly be in the international landscape.

“Maybe this is the spark of women’s basketball in the coming years and we hope we can get the support,” said Aquino in Filipino. “As you can see we can be side by side with the international teams.”

Bozóki and Dóra Medgyessy had eight points apiece to lead the Hungarians with Nóra Ruják and Alexandra Theodorean with a point each.

Janine Pontejos led the Philippines with seven points while Bernardino had four points with Gemma Miranda and Jack Daniel Animam combining for four points.

Spain topped Pool D after going 3-1 and with 69 accumulated points, its last victory coming against the Netherlands 13-11.

The Dutch settled for the third seed in Pool D with their last win coming against Germany, 16-8.