Gilas Pilipinas Women coach Pat Aquino.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
HANGZHOU, China—Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 team pulled out of the 19th Asian Games after organizers here thumbed down its request to include two replacement players.
According to national coach Patrick Aquino, they were given no choice but to back out with only two players left—Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar—in the lineup.
The Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee disapproved last-minute substitutes Cielo Pagdulagan and Marga Villanueva.
They were supposed to sub in for seasoned 3×3 specialists Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.
The team was informed of the organizers’ decision on Monday at the start of basketball competitions.
“Just so sad because this is the first time our 3×3 will be seeing action in the Asiad,” said Aquino, the women’s squad’s multi-titled bench tactician.
The Nationals were supposed to face Jordan in their opening match.