Paras, Ravena lead PH over Romania in Fiba 3×3 World Cup opener

Kobe Paras gestures after scoring a point for the Philippines against Romania in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup in Nantes, France. Photo from Fiba.com

The Philippines overcame a tough Romania side, 21-15, to open its campaign in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup on a high note early Monday morning (Manila time) in Nantes, France.

The Filipinos delivered a 9-2 finishing kick inside the final two minutes with either Kobe Paras or Kiefer Ravena scoring for PH, which is seeded 18th in the tournament, during the crucial stretch.

The 6-foot-6 Paras sealed the victory, scoring the last four points of the match, including two free throws with 29 seconds to spare. The first team to score 21 wins.

The Philippines trailed, 13-12, before Ravena took over. The two-time UAAP MVP out of Ateneo put the Philippines on top, 15-13, for good before pushing the lead to four, 17-13, with 1:06 left.

JR Quiñahan and Jeron Teng had their moments early in the game but Paras and Ravena, who used their quickness and athleticism to counter Romania’s size advantage, carried much of the offensive load down the stretch.

The Philippines takes on host France later in the day at 3:00 a.m. (Manila time) to wrap up Day 2 of the tournament.