THE Philippines ended its campaign in the 2018 Fiba 3x3 Under-23 World Cup with a big 21-15 victory over group leader and host team China, 21-15, Friday at Xi'an, China.
RJ Abarrientos sustained his hot streak, drilling four long bombs to lead the Filipinos with 10 points as Ricci Rivero continued to deliver a show, pouring seven to finish the team's run in the group stages at 2-2.
Rhayyan Amsali added three, while Jeepy Faundo scored one.
Rivero fueled the Philippines' hot start as it grabbed an 8-5 lead before Amsali made it a five-point game, 10-5.
Abarrientos then took charge, fending off late rallies from the Chinese to deal them their first defeat.
It was a confidence-boosting finish for the Philippines, which failed to claim a spot to the next round.
China and Slovenia, both carrying 3-1 cards, will advance to the playoff round from Pool C.
Huai Jiang topped China with 10 points in the losing effort.
The scores:
PHILIPPINES 21 -- Abarrientos 10, Rivero 7, Amsali 3, Faundo 1.
CHINA 15 -- Jiang 10, Gu 3, Zheng 2, Li 0.
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