Photo by Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas’ gallant stand was not enough as it fell short to China, 18-20, in the bronze medal match of the 2022 Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup on Sunday in Singapore.
When the Chinese tried to pull away with a 12-8 advantage, Vosotros came to the rescue, nailing two free throws and a deuce to tie the game before Liu Zeyi stopped the bleeding with a two-pointer, 14-12.
Vosotros kept the match tied 15-all. But Liu joined hands with Zhao Jiaren to take a 20-16 advantage with 40 seconds left.
Gilas’ defense prevented China from scoring the winning point as Lervin Flores drilled a deuce to trim the deficit to two, 20-18, with 30 seconds to go.
However, Vosotros’ pair of attempts from deep failed to force an extra regulation as the Philippines settled for fourth place.
Liu topped all scorers with nine points, while Zhao added six markers as China finished third after asserting its mastery of the Philippines from its 21-11 win last Saturday’s main draw.
Vosotros led Gilas’ valiant effort with eight points. Joseph Eriobu had five points, while Flores and Samboy de Leon added three and two, respectively.
Despite losing the bronze match, the Filipinos’ fourth place is the country’s best finish in the continental 3×3 tournament since the 2013 quarterfinals entry of Kevin Ferrer, Robby Celiz, Bacon Austria, and Gio Ciriacruz.
Earlier, Vosotros and Co.’s Cinderella run was ended by New Zealand with a 13-21 defeat in the semifinals.
The PBA 3×3 team couldn’t contain the inside game of the Tall Blacks, composed of New Zealand’s National Basketball League players.
Nikau McCullough scored eight points, including a Finals-clinching free throw off Eriobu’s unsportsmanlike foul to eliminate the Philippines with 3:40 left.
New Zealand and Australia will fight for the 3×3 crown.
Gilas shocked No.1 seed Mongolia, 21-20, in the quarterfinals on Vosotros’ epic game-winning basket.
The Scores:
Third place:
CHINA 20 — Liu 9, Zhao Jr 6, Lyu 4, Zhao Jy 1.
PHILIPPINES 18 — Vosotros 8, Eriobu 5, Flores 3, de Leon 2.
Semifinal:
NEW ZEALAND 21 — McCullough 8, Bezzant 5, Kelman-Poto 4, Easthope 4.
PHILIPPINES 13 — Vosotros 8, de Leon 2, Eriobu 2, Flores 1.