Gilas 3×3 women’s defeat Netherlands in buzzer-beater, advance to World Cup quarters

“After 2 gutsy wins today, our #GilasPilipinas Women’s U18 3×3 team are marching on to the Quarterfinals of the 2019 FIBA World Cup U18 3×3!” (Photo: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipnas – SBP/Facebook)

Philippine representatives the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 women’s team are applauded by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Group after stunning their Dutch opponents with a buzzer-beater victory during the 2019 FIBA 3×3 Under-18 World Cup match last Wednesday, June 5 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

It was Filipino-Canadian Camille Clarin that hit the game-winning point at 0.2 seconds left after an attempt and a rebound, totalling three points throughout the game. Teammate Elle Fajardo scored six points – four of them from two-pointers, while Karl Ann Pingol chipped one. As for their opponents, Jamy De Kock, Johanna Clazina Maria Bastiaansen, and Alissa Van Der Plas each chipped three in their 10-9 loss.

Hours later, the Filipinas booked their ticket into the quarterfinals against China this upcoming Friday, June 7 after an overtime victory against the Czech Republic.

Head coach Patrick Aquino told the media after that “it was amazing to see that kind of effort from the team,” stating, “They never gave up and I’m so proud of them,” referring to Team Philippines struggling with being undersized at the beginning of the competition and being second-lowest ranked primarily after a 2-22 opening loss against France.

SBP President Al Panlilio also shared his pride, telling the media upon hearing the news, “It is encouraging to note that this early in our developmental stage, our decision to expose our young girls in the world stage is also being rewarded with inspiring victories. We pray for their continued success against China on Friday.” He added, “SBP’s push to excel in women’s basketball is starting to pay off. Our ultimate goal is for our women’s program to achieve greatness similar to our Gilas Pilipinas Men and Gilas Pilipinas Youth.”