Philippines advances to the quarterfinals

By Adrian Stewart Co

The Philippines girls’ 3×3 basketball team advanced to the 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup quarterfinals last Wednesday following a pair of victories at Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. They scored a 10-9 win over the Netherlands and won 15-14 over the Czech Republic.
Trailing 3-1 early against the Dutch side, Ella Fajardo spearheaded a run and pulled the Philippines ahead. Ilongga player Karl Ann Pingol forced a 9-all draw, sealed by a free throw from Fajardo. Camille Clarin then scored the buzzer-beating basket to secure the win.
Clarin went on to build the team to a 13-8 lead against the Czech Republic; however, Sára Kocourková forced the game into overtime, with the teams tied 13-13. While Angelica Surada put the Philippines up, Pavlína Tabačková offered a quick reply pulling the teams even again, this time at 14-14.
Surada, however, went on to score the decisive winner off a pass from Fajardo.
The Philippines next faces China.
The competition comes to a close today./ASC, WDJ