32nd SEA Games: Gilas 3x3 squads settle for silver
2023-May-07 14:24
PAIR OF SILVER. Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 squads came short of the gold medal after absorbing separate losses over Vietnam in the women's tussle and Cambodia in the men's tiff. PHOTOS: REUTERS
The Gilas Pilipinas men's and women's 3x3 teams fell short of gold medals after losing their respective final matches on Sunday, May 7.
In the men's division, the Philippines lost to host Cambodia, 20-15, while their women's counterparts suffered a 21-16 defeat at the hands of Vietnam.
The quartet led by Almond Vosotros, consisting of Joseph Eriobu, Lervin Flores, and Joseph Sedurifa, was beaten by the Cambodian squad that paraded multiple naturalized players.
The Philippines ousted defending champion Thailand earlier, 21-19, in the semifinals to book their spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and Mikka Cacho took silver as the hot-shooting Vietnamese torched them, 21-16.
Vietnam beat the Filipina side twice in this tournament, winning their first encounter in group play, 21-19.
Gilas women's 3x3 defeated Cambodia in the semifinal round to reach the gold medal game, 21-20.
Despite the heartbreaking losses, the 3x3 delegation redeemed themselves from a dismal finish in last year's edition of the biennial meet in Hanoi, Vietnam.
In 2022, the men's squad placed third for bronze, while the women's team missed the podium.