THE Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 bowed out of contention for a spot in the 3x3 event of the Tokyo Olympics after they got hammered by the Dominican Republic, 11-22, in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Graz, Austria on Friday evening.
Playing without big man Mo Tautuaa who suffered a wrist injury on Thursday, the Gilas was forced to play with just three players all game long. The Dominican Republic took full advantage as they zoomed off to a 10-3 lead and led by nine, 14-5, before Joshua Munzon sparked the Philippines and brought them to within four, 10-14.
However, the towering Dominican Republic proved to be too much as Henry Valdez scored inside before Cesar Reyes scored a basket while getting fouled to push them ahead, 18-10. Bryant Piantini then clinched the win for the Dominican Republic with a deuce.
Piantini paced the Dominican Republic with eight points while Valdez added seven.
Munzon led Gilas with eight markers while Perez had two and Santillan put up one.
The Philippines will end their campaign with a game against the unbeaten France at 7:55 p.m. (JNP)