Action in 3×3 basketball – including women’s – will make its debut in the 30th Southeast Asian Games here. (FIBA.Com Images)
By WAYLON GALVEZ
With a month left before the regional meet, Singapore has decided not to field a team in both the 5-on-5 and the inaugural 3×3 action in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here.
Singapore’s decision to withdraw in the two events was relayed to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Wednesday by the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee or PHISGOC.
“The PHISGOC Sports Services just gave me the final confirmation that Singapore women’s basketball and women’s 3×3 are out of the SEA Games,” said SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza.
SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza.
Malaysia is the defending champion in the women’s 5-on-5 followed by Thailand and Indonesia, while 3×3 – an Olympic sport – will be making its first appearance in the SEA Games.
With the withdrawal of Singapore in the women’s basketball events, the number of countries in the 5-on-5 is now down to eight and six in 3×3, which will be played at The Arena in San Juan.
The 5-on-5 events will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The biennial meet is scheduled Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 – the fourth time the country is hosting the Games and first since 2005 when the Philippine team bagged the overall championship.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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