Call it the [bad] luck of the draw.
After sweeping the pool stages, the Philippines drew top-ranked Asian team China in the quarterfinals. And Gilas Pilipinas Boys could not overcome China, falling 17-21 (1:44) to bow out of the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 Asia Cup, Saturday in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
Figuring in a close game early, down 7-9, Terrence Fortea and the rest of the squad tried to figure in a duel with the Chinese.
Unfortunately for the young Filipinos, Zebin Wu and Jiwang Guo caught fire from downtown, giving China a 19-12 lead with 3:47 remaining.
Later on, Haonan Zheng sent China to match-point with 2:58 left.
The trio of Fortea, Gerry Abadiano, and Kevin Quiambao tried to will the Philippines back, cutting the lead down to three. However, Abadiano was accidentally elbowed by Zhirong Lin that resulted to a big cut on his forehead.
Abadiano had to leave the floor, forcing the team to bring in Carl Tamayo for the first time.
Tamayo did not do anything on the floor as Guo knocked down the game-ending jumper seconds later.
Fortea and Abadiano paced the Philippines with nine and seven markers, respectively.
Wu had a game-high 10 markers spiked by four deuces.
The Scores:
Philippines 17 – Fortea 9, Abadiano 7, Quiambao 1, Tamayo 0
China 21 – Wu 10, Guo 5, Zheng 4, Lin 2
