Source: POC Media
Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Men posted back-to-back dominant wins at the start their 3×3 basketball campaign in the 20th Asian Games at the Kinjo Futo Station Square in Nagoya.
The quartet of Nic Cabañero, Luis Pablo, Koji Buenaflor and David Dungo upset top seed Mongolia, 19-12 in the opener of their Pool A action, with Cabañero and Buenaflor combining for 13 points in the rousing victory.
Gilas Men then dispatched Sri Lanka, 21-12, to snare the lead in Pool A.
Cabanero again paced the Philippines with eight points, as Pablo and Buenaflor added six markers each, and Dungo had one point against the South Asians.
Despite the rousing victories, Pablo refuses to be complacent and vowed sustain their momentum. “Yes, confident, pero at the same time, we don’t underestimate any opponents.”
“Dito sa 3×3, any team can win. Just like in 5-on-5, it’s more on who wants it more and who’s willing to put more effort to win, added Pablo.
Cabañero also emphasized that limiting their opponents on defense will be their priority. “Yung defense talaga magdadala sa amin ng panalo. So we just need to stay composed,” he said.
Gilas 3×3 Men will take a brake on Tuesday before resuming action against Kazakhstan on Wednesday, September 23 at 12:15pm, for a chance to claim an outright passage to the knockout stage.
The Philippines hopes to improve its quarterfinal finish in Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.
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