SEA Games: Gilas 3×3 teams open bid with wins

By Waylon Galvez

Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)

8:20 a.m. – Vietnam vs Philippines (Women’s)

10 a.m. – Philippines vs Thailand (Women’s)

10:20 a.m. – Philippines vs Malaysia (Men’s)

11:20 a.m. – Cambodia vs Philippines (Men’s)

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s 3×3 teams opened their respective campaign with contrasting wins in 3×3 basketball action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.

Jason Perkins, a former PBA Rookie of the Year of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, powered the men’s team to a 21-17 victory over Indonesia during their first game in this event that is making its debut in the biennial meet.

CJ Perez, who played for Gilas in the last FIBA World Cup on China and plays for Columbian Jeep in the pro league, contributed eight points while Mo Tautuaa added three points and Chris Newsome – a member of the Meralco Bolts – finished with one point.

The national men’s team is set to play Myanmar, Vietman and Thailand also in Day 1 of the tournament.

“It’s a good start for up, hopefully we can sustain it. This is the first 3×3 in the SEA Games, and most of the players are new to the rules but they’re adjusting well,” said 3×3 men’s coach Ronnie Magsanoc.

In the women’s division, Clare Castro scored eight points while Janine Pontejos contributed six points as the Nationals defeated Myanmar 21-4.

Afril Bernardino had four points while Jack Danielle Animam added three points for the women squad of coach Pat Aquino, whose team will also play Malaysia and Indonesia in Day 1.

The top four teams will advance in the crossover semifinals, which will be played during the afternoon session of Day 2, and then followed by the gold medal game in the evening of the same day.

Source: Manila Bulletin