MANILA, Philippines — Undermanned Gilas Pilipinas fell to Qatar, 17-21, yesterday to kiss its title chances goodbye in the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup main tournament in Changsa, China.
Without main man Ricci Rivero, who tweaked his ankle in a heartbreaking 11-14 defeat to Thailand the other day, the Filipinos were just no match to the Qataris at the start of the game and trailed at 1-6.
Things got worse from there as Gilas fell to a 6-16 hole and looked like it would just fade into the night.
RJ Abarrientos, however, willed Gilas back and made one spectacular play after another to cut their deficit down to 17-20.
But just when Gilas was starting to hope for something good, Fadi Abilmona came to the fore and made a back-breaking running jumper.
Gilas suffered its second straight defeat and dropped out of contention.