MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 men squad fell to Iran, 14-21, Monday to finish its Pool A campaign but still advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s basketball tournament of the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium in Sanya, China.
Despite the Nationals’ first loss of the meet, they still wound up with a 2-1 record in a three-team tie with Iran and China and emerged as No. 1 in their group via the total accumulated points.
A Nic Cabañero baseline drive whittled the Iranians’ lead to 14-19 in the last 1:48 but Gilas 3x3 men’s towering foes will not be denied.
“We accomplished our goal top our pool. Just to be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in the first day,” Gilas 3x3 men coach Patrick Fran said.
“I think this is a big preparation for us going into the quarterfinal tomorrow,” he added.
Jeff Manday totaled eight points for the Pinoy 3x3 dribblers while Cabañero added six.
Gilas 3x3 men’s opponent in the Last Eight will be known Tuesday.
