Manila Chooks during the Fiba 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Manila Chooks bowed out of the 3×3 World Tour Manila Masters 2023 after succumbing to Utsunomiya Brex EXE, 22-18, at Glorietta Activity Center on Saturday.
Serbian Marko Milakovic sank the game-sealing jumper from the wing for Utsunomiya.
The home bets trailed early, 5-9, before clawing back to take a 14-12 lead.
Utsunomiya Brex would put the match in their favor until the end after a 6-1 blitz in the offing, 18-15.
“I have nothing bad to say about the players. The effort and dedication were all there,” coach Chico Lanete said.
“We just have to continue what we have started and master our game plan.”
Utsunomiya joined undefeated Ub Huishan NE of Serbia as the quarterfinalists in Pool A.
Huishan dominated Manila Chooks, 21-9, in their matchup.
Riga of Latvia and San Juan of Puerto Rico advanced in Pool B, Amsterdam HiPRO of Netherlands and Futian of China reigned supreme in Pool C and Beijing of China and Sansar MMC Energy of Mongolia were the leaders of Pool D.
The winner of the Manila Masters will take home $40,000 while the second and third placers will receive $30,000 and $22,000, respectively.