PASIG Chooks-to-Go failed to sustain its hot start as it came crashing out of the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Tinkoff Moscow Challenger after a 21-17 loss to World No. 3 Riga Ghetto on Saturday morning (Philippine time) at Gorky Park in Russia.
The result booted the last representative of the Philippines out of the competition as they finished their group with a 0-2 record following a 14-21 loss to Antwerp of Belgium in their opener.
Needing to win by seven points or more to advance, Pasig scored the first four points as it looked to upset the heavily favored Riga.
But the Latvian club responded with nine unanswered points to take control of the game for good.
The reigning champions of the Chooks 3x3 Pilipinas President’s Cup got to within four several times behind Joshua Munzon and Taylor Statham. But Naurios Miezis scored consecutive two-balls in a span of five seconds to give Riga an 18-10 lead.
Pasig got to within three, 20-17, following a Dylan Ababou deuce, but a technical foul for interception was called on Chooks, and Edgars Krumins drained the free throw to put the game away.
Munzon led the way for Pasig with seven points as Statham added five markers.
Agnis Cavars was an unstoppable force underneath for Riga as he finished with eight points while Miezis added seven.
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