Women’s basketball needs help
By Waylon Galvez
BOCAUE, Bulacan – The national team suffered a painful 20-19 setback against Canada and kissed goodbye to its title bid in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup last night at the Philippine Arena here.
It was another bitter loss for the Philippines, which took an18-16 lead on a basket from behind the arc worth two points by Roger Pogoy.
But it proved to be their last gallant stand as the Canadians closed out with 4-1 run to eliminate the host country – no thanks to the heady 5-foot-10 Michael Linklater.
Linklater scored Canada’s last two points that sealed the deal.
The setback dropped the Philippines to a tie with Russia 1-2 in Pool C.
Canada stayed unbeaten in three games while Mongolia, which meets winless Brazil (0-3) later in the day, is at second spot at 2-1.
Only the top two teams per pool will advance to the next round.
The national team is playing No. 3 Russia at press time for its final match in the elimination round, but whatever the outcome is, the Philippines will no longer advance to the knockout stage today.
The Filipinos won their first game against sixth-seeded Brazil, 15-7, but lost to No. 11 Mongolia, 21-17.
The 14th seeded Canada took a 9-2 advantage on a dunk by Michael Lieffers but the Nationals, cheered on by a small crowd, rallied with a 6-2 run and moved within 11-8.
After a determined chase, a ray of hope emerged as Pogoy knotted the count at 16-all after burying his fourth 2-ball.
The national team got a big break when Canada’s Jermaine Bucknor was whistled for a pushing foul on Pogoy, who calmly sank two free throws to make it 18-16 for the Philippines.
But something went awry for the Nationals, allowing the Canadians to escape with the win.
Meantime, PH women’s coach Pat Aquino said women’s basketball needs all the help it can get to be more competitive after the team’s early exit.
“We are hoping that this sparks something for the women’s (program). Hopefully this is an eye opener,” said Aquino after the national team lost to Hungary, 18-15, last Sunday.
Aside from its match against Hungary, the national team likewise lost to the Netherlands (21-11), Germany (12-10) and Spain (21-17) to bow out in the playoff race.
