In their FIBA 3×3 World Tour debut, Caloocan made an immediate statement.
The team of Chris Koon, Javi Gomez de Liano, Yukien Andrada, and Abu Tratter pulled off a massive upset, stunning world No. 5 Skyliners of Germany, 21-17, on Saturday at SCAPE 2 in Orchard Link, Singapore.
Although Caloocan fell to world No. 23 London of Great Britain, 22-9, its win over Skyliners assured the Filipinos a spot in the knockout rounds of the qualifier for the Malaga Masters.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Against the Germans, the game was tied at 11-all before Koon, Tratter, and Gomez de Liano combined to break the game wide open, giving Caloocan a 17-11 lead with 4:36 remaining.
Koon then took charge, putting Caloocan at match point a minute later.
A Gomez de Liano free throw with 2:59 left completed the upset for Caloocan.
Koon led the way with 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, while Gomez de Liano added four. Andrada and Tratter chipped in three points apiece.
Caloocan, however, was overwhelmed by London’s Evan Walshe and Josh Buchanan, who scored seven points each in their matchup.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Andrada was the lone bright spot for Caloocan against London, scoring six points.
London earlier defeated Skyliners, 21-20.
In Sunday’s quarterfinals, Caloocan will take on world No. 13 Toulouse of France, which went unbeaten in its pool.
