Gilas Pilipinas Women’s under-17 3×3 team could not make it out of the qualifying draw of the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Under-17 Asia Cup, falling to Hong Kong (15-19) and Thailand (20-21, OT), Thursday at MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The young Filipinas’ first game was already a do-or-die as Hong Kong had defeated Thailand, 13-11, to open QD A.
Despite the nine-point outing of Camille Nolasco, Wong Nga Ting and Hong Kong proved to be too much for the Pinays.
Wong got nine points in the contest as well but had support from Leung Wai Laam and Lu Choi Wan, who had four markers apiece.
Fighting for pride, it was Thailand who was able to take the last laugh to close out the qualifying draw.
After an exchange by the two sides to open overtime, Chosita Sakaret was able to find Rotratsamee Sinlapawisut for a midrange jumper that served as the second point and winner for Thailand.
Nicole Pring led the Philippines with 10 points while Nolasco added eight markers.
Supawadee Aupatum led Thailand with nine points while Chosita Sakaret produced eight.
Initially, the Philippines were supposed to field Nolasco, Villarin, Kristan Yumul, and Fil-Aussie Jolzyne Impreso for the tournament.
However, Yumul and Impreso only got their Philippine passports late for this cycle, making them ineligible for the continental meet. They will have to undergo a one-year residency.
