Gilas out of 3×3 basketball medal contention in Asian Games

Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team in the Asian Games men’s basketball 3×3 competition. –SBP

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas crashed out of the 3×3 medal race after bowing to South Korea, 19-16, in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The Philippines found itself in an early 7-0 hole in the quarterfinal clash at Deqing Basketball Court, struggling against the Koreans who dealt damage from inside and out.

A pair of tough shots from Bismarck Lina and Justine Sanchez brought South Korea’s lead down to just 18-14 with 40 ticks remaining.

But the Koreans showed steely nerves, making two quick plays including a Weon Seok Lee putback to keep their hands welded on the steering wheel.

Not helping was Gilas’ outside shooting, which was frosty, to say the least. The Nationals hit only one of their 10 shots from deep as the enemy converted four of their attempts.

Pasaol had six points to lead the Filipinos, while Bryan Sajonia chipped in four. Sanchez and Lina had 3 each as the Philippines await the results of the other quarterfinal games to determine their final ranking in the continental showcase.