MANILA, Philippines – Perlas Pilipinas thrilled the fans despite losing to Germany, 10-12, in the women’s division of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 on Friday, June 8, at the Philippine Arena. 

Afril Bernardino gave the Philippines a fighting chance before Gemma Miranda cut the deficit to one in the last two minutes of the game. Germany’s Luana Rodefeld, however, knocked in a dagger at the 1:19 mark that turned out to be the deciding basket .

Bernardino led the national team with 6 points. 

Earlier, the nationals lost to Netherlands, 21-11, for a  0-2 record in Day 1. (READ: Perlas Pilipinas yields opening game to Netherlands in FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018)

The Philippines wound up last in Pool D as Spain led with two wins against Hungary (19-14) and Germany (18-12).

China sits atop of the women’s Pool B after sweeping both games.

The top-ranked Chinese opened their campaign with a 16-14 win over France, then followed it up with a 21-20 thriller over Switzerland where YingYun Li knocked in a buzzer-beater from beyond the arc. 

https://t.co/7okxvQ8H2g #3x3WC pic.twitter.com/KzFJN3TNN2

— FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) June 8, 2018

In the men’s division, Poland and Estonia shared the top spot in Pool B after winning their opening-day assignments.

Poland defeated Slovania (21-17) and Indonesia (22-6), while Estonia trounced Japan (17-11) and Indonesia (22-10). 

The Scores

GERMANY (12) — Rodefeld 4, Zdravevska 4, Bruns 3, Muller 1.

PHILIPPINES (10) — Bernardino 6, Miranda 2, Animam 1, Pontejos 1.

STANDINGS (COUNTRY/SEED/RECORD) 

WOMEN’S 

Pool D

1. Spain (12) – 2-0

2. Hungary (3) – 1-1

3. Netherlands (4) – 1-1

4. Germany (11) – 1-1

5. Philippines (20) – 0-2

Pool B

1. China (1) – 2-0

2. France (6) – 1-1

3. Switzerland (14) – 1-1

4. Argentina (18) – 1-1

5. Kazakhstan (9) – 0-2

MEN’S 

Pool D

1. Croatia (12) – 2-0

2. Latvia (4) – 2-0 

3. Ukraine (5) – 1-1

4. Jordan (13) – 0-2

5. Nigeria (20) – 02

Pool B

1. Poland (7) – 2-0

2. Estonia (10) – 2-0

3. Slovenia (2) – 1-1

4. Japan (15) – 0-2

5. Indonesia (18) – 0-2

– Rappler.com