BULACAN, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas failed to sustain its strong start and bowed to Mongolia, 17-19, in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 on Saturday, June 9, at the Philippine Arena.  

Mongolia took the lead at the 3:45 minute mark and went on to steal the match with Gotov Tsenguunbayar knocking in the game-clinching two-pointer.

Roger Pogoy led Gilas with 6 points, highlighted by two outside shots that gave the Philippines its biggest lead, 8-3, with 6:57 left in the game.

The nationals wound up tied at 1-1 with Mongolia and Russia in Pool C of the men’s division, where Canada grabbed the top spot after winning over Mongolia (21-15) and Russia (20-17).

Gilas’ loss came hours after it got its campaign off to a strong start by stunning 6th-seeded Brazil, 15-7.

“We had our chances,” said head coach Ronnie Magsanoc after Gilas split their first-day assignments. “It’s all about knowing how to win in the end, and I think malaki ’yung experience factor ng team ng Mongolia (Mongolia’s experience was a big factor).”

Mongolia bagged the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup championship in 2017, but failed to defend its title after losing to Australia by one point in this year’s finals. 

Gilas Pilipinas returns to action on Monday, June 11 to face Canada and Russia for a shot at the quarterfinals.

The Scores:

MONGOLIA 21 — Gotov 7, Enkhtaivan 6, Davaasambuu 6, Enkhbat 2.

PHILIPPINES 17 — Pogoy 6, Pringle 4, Rosario 4, Standhardinger 3.

 – Rappler.com