SEA Games: Gilas Women out of 3×3 gold medal hunt

Gilas Women in the women’s 3×3 event at the 31st SEA Games. SEA GAMES POOL

MANILA, Philippines-Having little answers against a bigger enemy that shoots with deadly accuracy, the Philippines bowed to Thailand, 21-14, and out of gold medal contention Saturday in the women’s 3×3 basketball event of the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

The defending champions, led by seasoned vets Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino will try to salvage a bronze medal also Saturday at Thanh Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi.

Bernardino helped the Nationals pull level at 9-9, but collective defensive lapses and a lethargic effort on the boards allowed the unbeaten Thais to mount a 5-0 run to wrest control of the game.

Frosty shooting ultimately doomed the Nationals’ chances at repeating in the biennial meet.

Gilas will play the loser in the match between Indonesia and host Vietnam, which is being played as of posting time.