RP 3-on-3 ballers pipped by Spain

The Philippines showed plenty of fight before bowing to Spain, 25-27, Tuesday that relegated the Filipinos to the consolation round in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.   Unlike in their 28-34 defeat to the US Virgin Islands where they trailed for the entire game, the Filipinos briefly seized the upperhand, 21-20, before the Spanish cagers rallied to score the victory at the Scape Youth Space court.   Bobby Ray Parks Jr. scored 15 points and Jeron Teng posted 10 as the duo combined for all of the points of the Filipinos.   Chris Michael Tolomia struggled for the second straight game, committing five turnovers and missing all of his five shots. Michael Pate also bungled all of his five attempts.   Javier Medori had 14 points and three boards for the Spanish cagers, who outrebounded the Filipinos, 17-14.   Mikel Motus finished with eight points and Luis Costa added five for Spain.   Playing with a sense of urgency, the Filipinos erased an early 8-11 deficit and tied the game twice, the last coming at 16-all.   But RP chief de mission Mark Joseph pinned the blame on spotty officiating after the Philippines absorbed its second straight loss.   “Spain won by two points but lousy referees did not count two shots of ours but our guys did great,” said Joseph.   The Philippines faces Croatia today and South Africa tomorrow for its remaining elimination-round matches.