A more experienced Slovenian side outclassed the 3-on-3 basketball national team in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World 3 x 3 in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.
The experience of the Slovenian squad was more than enough to carry the powerhouse squad from Europe past the Manila West, 21-12.
The Filipinos were held scoreless in the last five minutes of the ball game as the bigger and better prepared Slovenian team grounded as cagers picked from three different teams from the Philippine Basketball Association.
“Malalaki, mabibigat, magugulang. Pang 3-on-3 talaga sila,” said KG Canaleta.
Trailing 6-11, the Filipinos were silenced in the last 5:13 as the Slovenians pulled away for good.
The Filipinos, who lost their last two games, bowed out of contention.
The SBP grassroots program to include 3-on-3 basketball
Despite failing to advance to the semifinal round, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios considered the Philippines’ entry to the world stage of the FIBA 3 x 3 World Tour as something to look forward to.
“It was a learning experience from us,” wrote Barrios in a statement to mediamen.
The country qualified to the grand finale of this World Tour event after winning the Manila leg.
In making it to the world stage, Barrios added that he plans to include the 3 x 3 discipline to the grassroots development program of the SBP.
Photo courtesy of FIBA’s Facebook Page
