THAILAND took control early and held off Gilas Pilipinas Men's 3x3, 14-11, in the 2019 Fiba 3x3 Asia Cup on Wednesday at Changsha, China.
The young Filipino squad bannered by Ricci Rivero, fell behind early as the Thais grabbed a 10-4 lead.
Making matters worse was Rivero spraining his ankle, and he left with 2:59 left.
RJ Abarrientos tried to will Gilas 3x3 back, cutting the lead down to two, 12-10 in the final minute, but the early deficit was just too much for the Philippine side.
Abarrientos led the Philippines with four points, while Rivero scored three. Barkley Ebona and Rhayyan Amsali had two points apiece.
Sukhdave Ghogar carried Thailand to the win with five points, as Bandit Lakhan added four.
The Philippines now shifts its attention to Qatar at 1:30 p.m. as it now is in a must-win situation with only the top team in the Qualifying Draw A advancing to the main tournament.
The scores:
Thailand 14 - Ghogar 5, Lakhan 4, Korsah-Dick 3, Chungyampin 2.
Philippines 11 - Abarrientos 4, Rivero 3, Ebona 2, Amsali 2.
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