GILAS Pilipinas 3x3 men’s team survived an endgame comeback by Thailand, 17-15, to book a berth in pool play of the FIBA Asia Cup on Thursday night at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.
Jerrick Ahanmisi hit an open two that put the Philippines on top 17-13 with a minute left in the game, but the Thais battled their way back and threatened, as a two-handed dunk by Chanatip Jakrawan made it a two-point contest in the final 11 seconds.
Thailand, reigning Southeast Asian Games 3x3 champion, even had a chance at a game-tying basket after the Filipinos committed a shot-clock violation, but Frederick Lish’s attempt failed to hit its mark.
The win completed a two-game sweep of the qualifying draw by Gilas, as it emerged as the top team in Group A.
READ: New-look Gilas 3x3 impressive off the bat in FIBA Asia Cup
The Philippines earlier beat Maldives, 21-16, for its first win.
Ralph Cu finished with six points for Gilas, including a spectacular long two from the corner that beat the shot clock and put them in front, 14-5, at the halfway mark of the match.
But the Thais - who upset Lithuania two weeks ago in the FIBA Red Bull Champions Cup, 21-15 - wouldn't go down easily and inched their way back for the thrilling endgame.
Jakrawan had a game-high seven points to show the way for Thailand, a 21-11 winner earlier also against Maldives.
The Scores:
Philippines 17 - Cu 6, Koon 5, Ahanmisi 4, Alter 2.
Thailand 15 - Jakrawan 7, Lish 5, Thongpool 2, Techasamran 1.
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