By REYNALD MAGALLON
Almond Vosotros scored the last nine points, eight of which came from the distance as Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men’s team dominated Indonesia, 21-15, to punch a ticket to the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore.
The Filipinos swept their qualifying draw assignments first on a 21-19 victory over Jordan before completing the come-from-behind triumph against its Southeast Asian neighbor.
Vosotros finished with 11 points, including the game-winning deuce he drilled with still 4:02 left to spare.
Joseph Eriobu provided support with eight points, six of which he scored in the early goings to keep Gilas afloat as the Indonesian took an 11-10 lead early on.
The TNT sniper, however, took over from there as he rifled in five two-pointers in the contest.
“We are playing for the country so I told them to do their best. We are just focusing on the game, taking things one game at a time,” said Vosotros.
With the win, Gilas will face host Singapore and China in the Group C of the main draw which fires off Saturday.
Meantime, Gilas women’s team was not as fortunate as its men’s counterpart after absorbing a crushing 13-11 loss to Thailand.
The Thais completed a repeat as the quartet of Afril Bernardino, Trina Guytingco, Khate Castillo and Camille Clarin went ice cold down to wire, allowing their SEA rivals to take the win and advance to the main draw.
