Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Stanley Pringle took the blame for the Philippines’ heartbreaking loss to Canada on Monday in the Fiba 3×3 World Cup.
The loss eliminated Gilas Pilipinas, which dropped to 1-2, from contention with Canada and Mongolia securing the top two spots in Pool C to advance into the quarterfinal round.
“It’s on me,” Pringle said following the Philippines’ 20-19 loss.
The Filipinos trailed big early before rallying behind Roger Pogoy, who caught fire late.
Pogoy finished with a game-high 10 points, including eight straight that put Gilas ahead, 18-16, with 1:14 remaining.
Canada pulled within one on a basket by Jermaine Bucknor with under a minute left but with a chance to create needed separation, Pringle was defended well and was called for a shot clock violation.
The Canadians then, turned to Michael Linklater, who scored his team’s last three points capped by a driving layup against Gilas big man Christian Standhardinger with three seconds left to win the game.
Pogoy missed a potential game-winning long ball as time expired.