The Philippines survived a stiff challenge from host squad Hungary to pick up a 19-18 victory in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championships Friday in Debrecen.
Kobe Paras led a valiant effort from the Philippines side as the team built a 16-12 lead after a long range shot by Mike Nieto before Hungary rallied back to within 2, 15-17.
Teams went wire to wire in the final moments with a basket by Kobe Paras under the final minute giving the Philippines a 19-18 cushion.
Paras then had a chance to ice the game but muffed an attempt from beyond the arc, giving Hungary one last crack at stealing the game although a drive to the basket was defended well to preserve the win.
The Philippines dropped its opener against Poland, 13-15 for a 1-1 record after Day 1. The team will battle Russia, Uruguay, and Kazakhstan for the rest of its preliminary games.
