BOCAUE — Janine Pontejos’ blazing performance wasn't enough to cut down a taller Spain side as the Philippine women’s team suffered a 21-17 defeat on Sunday in the 2018 Fiba 3x3 World Cup at Philippine Arena.
Paula Palomares cushioned Pontejos’ hot streak as she fired 11 points to keep the 12th-seeded Spaniards unbeaten through three games in Pool D.
The Philippines, meanwhile, was formally eliminated from contention with one game left to play against Hungary in the nightcap.
Aitana Cuevas Mediavilla and Nuria Martinez Prat both had four in the Spain victory.
Pontejos drained five long bombs to wound up with 13 points. Her fiery shooting saw the Filipinas grab a 10-8 lead midway through the game.
However, fouls once again hounded the Philippines as they found themselves in penalty with 6:50 remaining, giving the Spaniards a little more edge before Vega Gimeno Martinez found Palomares for the game-clinching undergoal stab.
Gemma Miranda added three points for the hosts while Afril Bernardino had one in the losing cause.
The scores:
SPAIN 21 — Palomares 11, Cuevas Mediavilla 4, Martinez Prat 4, Gimeno Martinez 2.
PHILIPPINES 17 — Pontejos 13, Miranda 3, Bernardino 1, Animam 0.