For their final two games in the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup qualification phase, Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 3×3 will play shorthanded.
According to a report by ESPN5’s Carlo Pamintuan, Ricci Rivero will sit out the national team’s games against Iran and Samoa on Thursday.
“Ricci is out for the rest of the competition as he can hardly walk,” Gilas 3X3 head coach Ronnie Magsanoc told ESPN5. “We’re trying to keep the swelling down by icing and elevating his injured foot.”
Rivero sustained the injury during the Philippines’ opening game against Thailand.
With 2:59 left and Gilas down 7-12, Rivero went for a rebound against two Thais. Unfortunately, when he landed, he twisted his right ankle.
Gilas lost the game 11-14 – the Philippines’ first loss in a 3×3 tournament against a Southeast Asian squad in an open tournament.
The UP Fighting Maroon did not play against Qatar, which also ended up as a loss, 17-21 (1:26).
The Philippines is down at the bottom of Pool Qualifier A with an 0-2 record. The Filipinos will still face a 2-0 Iran at 10:50 am and 0-2 Samoa at 12:20 pm.
Only one team will advance to the Asia Cup proper in this pool.
