Gilas 3×3 falls short to Qatar, exits Fiba Asia Cup

Almond Vosotros’ leads Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 in a losing effort in the Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines—Almond Vosotros’ outing was not enough as the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 team lost to Qatar, 21-18 and bowed out of the Fiba Asia Cup 2023 in Singapore on Friday. 

After finishing with only four points in the squad’s prior loss to Iran, 14-11, Vosotros waxed hot with nine points but on a losing effort for the Philippines.

Gilas was down 15-8, before turning to Vosotros who played a huge role in the squad’s game-tying 10-3 blitz that put the match at an 18-all deadlock.

But Souley Ndour took matters into his own hands to power Qatar to the victory with three straight points, including the game-winning free throw to send Gilas packing. 

Ndour finished with a near double-double of 13 points and eight rebounds.

Following Vosotros in the Philippines’ scoring department is Samboy De Leon with five and Jorey Napoles with three. Brandon Bates measly scored a marker.

With the early elimination, Gilas will finish worse than their fourth-place ending in last year’s meet.

Qatar, on the other hand, will be advancing to the open’s main draw.