Gilas Pilipinas opened their FIBA 3×3 World Championship 2016 run with contrasting ends on Wednesday night at Guangzhou, China.
Gilas tipped off their campaign in the Worlds against Romania in a tooth-and-nail battle. From a 6-1 lag early, the Nationals relied on Glenn Khobuntin to post a 9-all knot. Gilas then got their groove on, even pulling away to a 15-12 lead after a Mac Belo conversion.
The Romanians fought back from the deficit, pulling off a 7-4 spree, behind outside jumpers and point-blank shots, to force a 19-all tie. They had chances to convert, but their defense reacted late, as Karl Dehesa sank a deuce from the right wing to win it for Gilas, 21-19.
Gilas then faced a tall and veteran team in Spain for their second match tonight. With limited time to rest from their close affair with Romania, Gilas had a slow start on both ends of the floor, allowing the Spaniards to capitalize and erect a five-point, 12-7 lead late.
From the deficit, Gilas managed to come back, banking on the fiery offense of Belo and Khobuntin to race back and snatch the lead, 13-12. However, Spain responded through their outside shots to zoom to a 9-3 run capped by foul shots to seal the deal, 21-16.
Forward Russel Escoto is still questionable for Gilas’ succeeding matches after sustaining a shoulder injury early in their affair against Romania. The six-foot-six stretch big man did not see action versus Spain.
Team Pilipinas’ next two matches will be on Friday, October 14. Gilas will face Hungary first at 3:10 PM, then Poland next at 4:40 PM.
Photo from FIBA.com
