BULACAN, Philippines – Perlas Pilipinas failed to sustain a promising start as the Netherlands hacked out a 21-11 victory in their opening game in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 on Friday, June 8 at the Philippine Arena.

“Having a tournament like this, sometimes you get jittery, sometimes di nila ngagagawa yung mga kailangan nilang gawin (sometimes they are not able to do what they have to do),” said Perlas Pilipinas head coach Patrick Aquino. “I hope I explained everything to them… what’s happening, what we’re supposed to do, what’s gonna happen, and hopefully we can manage everything.”

Janine Pontejos’ shot from beyond the arc put the Filipinas up early, 3-2, but the Dutch locked down on the nationals from long range and pulled away to a 9-3 lead. 

Pontejos topscored for the Philippines with 6 points, while 3-time UAAP MVP Afril Bernardino had 4. 

Karin Kuijit led the Oranje with 8 points. 

The Philippines will face Germany next also on Friday, June 8 at 6:40 pm.

The Scores:

NETHERLANDS 21 — Kuijt 8, Klerx 6, Bettonvil 4, Beld 3.

PHILIPPINES 11 — Pontejos 6, Bernardino 4, Animam 1, Miranda 0. 

– Rappler.com