The Philippines failed to advance to the next round but earned raves – and perhaps the bragging rights – following its stunning win over China in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup on Friday in at Xi’an, China.
With RJ Abarrientos at the firing end, the Nationals pulled off a 21-15 win over the taller Chinese in what could perhaps one of the worthiest win in the tournament since the defeat was the first for the host team.
Abarrientos, who also sizzled in the team’s 21-8 win over Turkmenistan early in the day, finished with 10 points while Ricci Rivero continued to dazzle with his aerial acrobatics to finish with seven points.
Rhayyan Amsali added three, while Jeepy Faundo scored one as the Nationals finished the round with a 2-2 record.
China and Slovenia advanced to the next round with similar 3-1 cards.
The cat-quick Rivero sparked the Philippines’ hot start that saw them post a 10-5 lead.
Abarrientos then took charge by coming through with some wondrous jumpers.
