10 June 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
BOCAUE, Bulacan – With the quarterfinals on the line, Perlas Pililpinas exhibited greater effort on Day 3 of FIBA 3×3 World Cup, but foul trouble cost them to bow out of the contention on Sunday at the Philippine Arena.
The Philippine team had a strong start, following Janine Pontejos’ hot streak of two-pointers, but it was not enough to keep the Philippine team ahead against No. 12-seed Spain.
Filipinas had foul trouble following a technical foul called on Jack Animan in the last six minutes of the game, which gave Spain a chance to turn the game around after a 10-all dreadlock. Paula Palomares, Aitana Mediavilla and Vega Martinez all shot from the free throw line that gave Spain the advantage, followed by a jumper by Martinez that gave Spain 20-14.
Still not about to give up, Gemma Miranda and Pontejos combined for Philippines, 20-17, however, Martinez grabbed the ball back to Spain and passed it to Palomares for a wide-open lay-up that sealed the win.
Pontejos finished with a game-high 13 points from five two-points.
Palomares finished with 11 points that led Spain step up the ladder with a 3-0 record until they tasted their first loss in the latter game against Netherlands, 13-11.
In their final game, Perlas was unable to clinch any victory as they had another heartbreak at the hands of third-ranked Hungary, 18-15.
Despite leading by as much as four points, 10-6, foul trouble became the Philippines’ problem once again, giving Hungary two charity shots, possession of the ball and winning the game.
Perlas Pilipinas finished the group stages with a 0-4 record to end up last in Pool D.
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