The Philippines during a game against Indonesia in the men’s 3×3 basketball event at the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines found itself at the nasty end of a stunning loss on Friday, absorbing a 15-13 heartbreaker dealt by Indonesia in the men’s 3×3 event of the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Looking sharp right off the jump, Gilas’ offense conked out when it mattered most, dooming the defending champions to its first-ever loss not only in this edition of the biennial meet but since the sport’s inclusion into the regional conclave.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jorey Napoles led the way for the Nationals and kept the enemy within reach, 14-13, until the final moments of the game.
Marvin Hayes then made a costly error with 17 ticks remaining, paving the way for another Indonesia basket that ultimately sealed the Filipino’s fate which kept them from securing a perfect outing on the first day of hostilities.
Ganuelas-Rosser finished with seven points, Napoles five and Caduyac with one as the Nationals settled for a 2-1 record.
Indonesia, led by naturalized player Jamarr Johnson, improved to 2-2.
On tap for Gilas this Saturday are Singapore (11:40 a.m.), Malaysia (1:20 p.m.), and then host Vietnam (3 p.m.).
The top four teams advance to the semifinal round.