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 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 to 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.
Meanwhile, the Gilas women 3x3 team bucked a slow start to secure a sweep of Group C action, beating Kyrgyzstan, 21-15, to secure a quarterfinals spot.
The Gilas women, who are supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, battled back from an early deficit when their lax defense helped Kyrgystan gain the lead early.
Fortunately, 3x3 veteran Mikka Cacho and Tantoy Ferrer connived to slowly chip at the lead, with Gabi Bade and Kaye Pingol also making key baskets down the stretch against the winless Kyrgyzstan squad.
After the match, Bade preached about defense and how they’ll need to fine-tune that aspect of that match if they want to push for a medal in the tournament.
“Defense. Defense is going to be the key to helping us win all of these games. We just had to stay focused on defense because our shots will come, will go through if we focus on defense,” Bade said.
“You know, we can't underestimate any team. You know, every team is good. So we just got to come out and battle and fight each game.”
Bade finished with five markers as Ferrer led the cavalry with eight points.
Cacho had seven points while Pingol was limited to just one point.
Gilas thus await their quarterfinal opponent between the winner of the play-in match of Kazakhstan and Macao. TMT
