Gilas 3×3 outlasts Thailand to reach FIBA Asia Cup main draw

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 stunned favored Thailand as it hacked out a thrilling 17-15 win to qualify for the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup on Thursday, April 2, at the OCBC Square in Singapore.

Jerrick Ahanmisi hit a crucial two-pointer with a minute left as the Philippines avoided a colossal meltdown and swept its qualifying draw group to advance.

The Filipinos shot the lights out from the get-go and enjoyed a 14-5 lead with over five minutes to play before the Thais — the reigning Southeast Asian Games champion in men’s 3×3 basketball — clawed their way back and got within 13-15 off a Chanatip Jakrawan dunk.

Ahanmisi, who finished with 4 points, answered with a long bomb to push the Philippines’ lead to 17-13, which proved enough to fend off the Thai side that fell short of its comeback as Frederick Lish missed a game-tying two-pointer in the dying seconds. 

Ralph Cup showed the way for the Filipinos in scoring with 6 points, all from long distance, Chris Koon delivered 5 points, while Alter added 2 points. 

Gilas also beat Maldives earlier, 21-16. 

Through to the main draw, the Philippines will tangle with Mongolia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A on Saturday, April 4. – Rappler.com