THE Philippines crashed out of the Fiba 3x3 World Cup after a brave stand against second-seed Slovenia fell short, 14-21, on Wednesday (Manila time) in Nantes, France.
Behind the 11th-ranked Anze Srebovt, the Slovenians scored the game's first five points then jumped to a 14-4 lead, capitalizing on the Philippines' shooting woes and sloppy play.
The Chooks to Go-backed squad managed to trim the lead to four, 15-11, behind the heady play of Kiefer Ravena on both ends to make a game of what had earlier looked like a certain blowout.
However, back-to-back two-pointers from Gasper Ovnik and Simon Finzgar quickly put things back in order for the Slovenians.
Close-range baskets from Srebvot and Adin Zavjic put the Philippines away for good, 21-14, with still 1:21 left in the clock.
Ravena led the Philippines with seven points to make up for the struggles of Kobe Paras, who finished with just four points. Jeron Teng had two points and JR Quinahan a solitary point.
Slovenia, led by Ovnik and Finzgar with seven points apiece, ended the group phase unbeaten in four games to guarantee its place in the quarterfinal round.
The Philippines, on the other hand, fell to 1-2 and fell out of contention for the two quarterfinal berths staked in a group that also included host France, Romania, and El Salvador.
[See Team Pilipinas ends Fiba 3x3 World Cup stint with huge victory over El Salvador]
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