11 June 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
BOCAUE, Bulacan – Following a frustrating loss against Canada, Gilas Pilipinas pulled off a stunning win over Russia, 19-12 in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 on Monday at the Philippine Arena.
Troy Rosario hit three straight two-pointers that gave Gilas an 11-point lead, 14-3, over Russia.
Russia tried to have a late rally in the last two minutes of the game with Victor Pavlenko hitting timely jumpers, but they were still no match for Gilas who kept their winning momentum at ease and clinch their second win in the tournament.
Stanley Pringle led Gilas with nine points, which mostly came from the first four minutes of the game. Rosario had 8 points and Roger Ray Pogoy added 2.
The Philippines ended the World Cup with a 2-2 record, earning them third place in Pool C. Canada and Mongolia, two teams that beat Gilas Pilipinas, advance to the quarterfinals.
Defending champion Serbia and Mongolia will have a face off in the quarterfinals bracket in the men’s division, along with Latvia vs Poland, Slovenia vs Ukraine and Canada vs Netherlands.
In the women’s division, spectators will have to watch out for the game between defending champion Russia against Czech Republic. No. 1 China will then face off Hungary, Spain against France and the United States will take on Italy.
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