For the first time in FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup history, a Philippine men’s team failed to advance to the tournament’s main draw.
Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 suffered a 21-11 defeat at the hands of India in a virtual knockout match in Qualifying Draw B on Thursday at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
The squad featured MPBL players Joseph Sedurifa of Mindoro, Jeff Manday and Joseph Manlangit of Caloocan, and St. Benilde Blazer Anton Eusebio.
Heading into the decisive matchup, both the Philippines and India held identical 2-0 records, making the game a must-win to secure a spot in Pool B alongside China and Chinese Taipei.
The 10th-seeded Filipinos kept pace with the 18th-seeded Indians early on, trailing by just two, 8-6, midway through the game.
However, India seized control from that point on.
The trio of Kushal Singh, Pranav Prince, and Harsh Dagar dominated inside while stifling the Philippines’ offense, sparking an 11-3 run.
Dagar sealed the victory with a two-pointer at the 1:13 mark.
Dagar finished with a game-high 10 points, while Prince added six.
Manday led the Philippines with four points, while Eusebio chipped in three. Sedurifa and Manlangit were held to just two points apiece.
Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 opened its campaign with a commanding 21-12 win over Macau, led by Sedurifa’s 10 points and Manday’s seven.
The Patrick Fran-coached squad then eked out a 17-15 victory over Korea, with Manday sinking the game-winner with 15 seconds left.
The Philippines’ previous worst finish in the tournament was 11th place last year, with a lineup featuring Sedurifa, Yutien Andrada, Ping Exciminiano, and Chester Saldua.
