Australia wins, Philippines ousted in the quarters
By Adrian Stewart Co

The Australian women’s national 3×3 basketball team conquered the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup over the weekend in Changsha, China. Aside from taking the championship with a 20-9 win over Kazakhstan over the weekend, the Aussie team was also responsible for the Philippine women’s team’s exit, winning 21-16 in the quarterfinals.
In their match against Australia, the Philippine squad, comprised of Janine Pontejos, Jack Animam, Clare Castro, and Afril Bernardino, opened with a 4-1 edge off early hits from Pontejos; however, Australia responded with a 6-1 blast from Hanna Zavecz, Rebecca Cole, and Alice Kunek to gain a 7-5 edge.
The Philippines stayed close, trailing 15-14 on baskets from Pontejos and Bernardino, but a costly error by Castro allowed Australia to extend their lead on Kunek’s outside hit.
Bernardino tried to bring the Philippines back but a free throw from Madeleine Garrick and an and-one play by Kunek gave Australia the needed 21 points with 1:30 left in the match.
Pontejos paced the Philippines with eight points, while Bernardino chipped in five.
Meanwhile, Australia also won the men’s title./ASC, WDJ