MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Men’s Basketball Team kissed the Olympic dream goodbye as the Nationals dropped their last couple of games against Dominican Republic and France on Friday, May 28 at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying tournament 2021 in Graz, Austria.
Coming from a devastating opener, Team Philippines hoped to sweep its remaining games plus a miracle to book a seat to the prestigious quadrennial sports event but the Filipino ballers suffered another setback as Moala Tautuaa was sent to the sickbay due to a wrist injury that led to the team’s debacle.
With Tautuaa out definitely, the team relied on 3x3 veteran Joshua Munzon supported by CJ Perez and Santi Santillan.
With a supposed win over Domincan Republic and two Qatar losses, the Philippines had a chance to advance to the next round but the feisty Dominicanos crushed Gilas’ minuscule hope with a 22-11 victory to make its exit official.
Gilas Pilipinas could’ve made its record 1-3 before heading home but unfortunately sustained a narrow defeat in its ultimate game against tournament powerhouse Team France, 15-14.
Despite the sorry loss, Philippines earned words of praise and affirmation from the French Team for the very close game.
Alvin Pasaol, who’s with the team in Graz, Austria and was relegated to the reserve spot failed to assume the four-man lineup due to health and safety protocols.
With a winless campaign at the FIBA 3X3 OQT, the players are now enroute to the country to join their respective PBA mother ball clubs in preparation for the upcoming season opener in the months to come.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
Coming from a devastating opener, Team Philippines hoped to sweep its remaining games plus a miracle to book a seat to the prestigious quadrennial sports event but the Filipino ballers suffered another setback as Moala Tautuaa was sent to the sickbay due to a wrist injury that led to the team’s debacle.
With Tautuaa out definitely, the team relied on 3x3 veteran Joshua Munzon supported by CJ Perez and Santi Santillan.
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| “Better luck next time.” Philippines exits FIBA OQT with a 0-4 record. Photo from fiba.basketball |
With a supposed win over Domincan Republic and two Qatar losses, the Philippines had a chance to advance to the next round but the feisty Dominicanos crushed Gilas’ minuscule hope with a 22-11 victory to make its exit official.
Gilas Pilipinas could’ve made its record 1-3 before heading home but unfortunately sustained a narrow defeat in its ultimate game against tournament powerhouse Team France, 15-14.
Despite the sorry loss, Philippines earned words of praise and affirmation from the French Team for the very close game.
Alvin Pasaol, who’s with the team in Graz, Austria and was relegated to the reserve spot failed to assume the four-man lineup due to health and safety protocols.
With a winless campaign at the FIBA 3X3 OQT, the players are now enroute to the country to join their respective PBA mother ball clubs in preparation for the upcoming season opener in the months to come.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
