Gilas U23 Men off to rough start in FIBA 3x3 World Cup

September 17 ------ The Gilas Pilipinas men’s U23 team dropped its first two games against powerhouses New Zealand and Spain in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup at the Hongshan Riverfront Park in Wuhan, China.

The Nationals kept in step with the Kiwis before losing steam in the end to absorb a 21-11 decision in the opening game before falling to the Spaniards, 21-15. Gilas dropped to a 0-2 slate in the Pool B action. The Filipinos were actually down by only four against New Zealand, 7-11, but the Kiwis unloaded 5-1 run to take a commanding 16-8 lead. Gilas tried to rally back but it only traded baskets to New Zealand which finished the contest with still 3:51 left on the clock. Gilas put up a better fight against Spain, keeping itself within striking distance. However, a couple of missed opportunities and crucial errors allowed the European giants to pull away.

John Earl Medina paced Gilas against New Zealand with six points and three rebounds while Cabs Cabonilas and Malcolm Tyler had six and five against Spain. The dry spell for the men’s team followed the Gilas women’s team's rough start to the competition after also going 0-2 through the first two games.

Source: mb.com.ph