The Philippines’ campaign in the 2016 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan started off on the wrong foot after the men’s team lost back to back games in Day 2 of the competitions.
The Philippines were overpowered by defending champion New Zealand, which was bannered by Kentucky Wildcat and reigning MVP Tai Wynyard, 21-11. The Philippines then lost to Brazil, 20-14 to drop to 0-2 in Pool D.
Wynyard scored at will against the much smaller Filipinos in the first game, as the Kiwis went up 9-2 after a Wynyard two-pointer.
Kyle Christian Tan and Joshua Sinclair each hit two long range shots after that point though, as the Philippines tried to make it more competitive, pulling within 13-11.
However, New Zealand ended the game with eight unanswered points, as Wynyard let his teammates finish the job off. Wynyard topscored with 12 points.
Against Brazil, the Philippines once again suffered from a poor start and were never able to recover. The Brazilian side jumped to a 5-0 lead and never looked back, en route to recording its first win.
The nationals will play Spain and Hungary on June 4.
