Philippines dribblers start strong

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Home bets Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas, as expected, wiped out the pool plays to qualify for the knockout rounds of the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3x3 yesterday here at the SM Seaside City.

Uratex stunned Japan’s Maurice Lacroix in overtime, 15-13, before drubbing Thailand’s CT Tigers, 21-13, for a 2-0 slate in Pool B of the historic 12-team tourney presented by Uratex, Smart and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Reinforcement Renzhu Li of China led the way for Uratex with a combined 15 points and eight rebounds in two games as Gilas Pilipinas campaigners Kaye Pingol and Angel Surada with Sam Harada threw in solid contributions.

Newly-minted Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Elizabeth Means then ran roughshod for the Aguilas for a similar 2-0 record in topping Pool C after identical 12-10 wins over Singapore’s Jumpshot and Thailand’s Shoot It Dragons.