Winless Perlas puts up gallant stand in close loss to Germans

BOCAUE, Bulacan — The Philippines continued to outdo themselves in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup women’s division after scripting a spirited stand against Germany in the nightcap of Day One’s action at the Philippine Arena here.

Coming off a losing but commendable performance against the behemoth that is the fourth-seeded Netherlands, Perlas took it to the Germans early. That brilliance buoyed them neck-and-neck against their foes. But all that ran out just as the time did.

Jack Danielle Aminam knocked a shot off with a twirl — almost so elegant it could pass off like NBA great’s Hakeem Olajuwon’s — to get the Filipinos’ offense going.

As if that was brilliant enough, Afril Bernardino was clicking on all cylinders. Her scoops — against another towering European crew — were nearly unstoppable. Gemma Miranda, too, was finally making her presence felt. She bolstered Jaine Pontejos’ efforts down low.

But their shots — the crucial ones, the ones that could’ve tied the game — started missing as the timer started its countdown. The scoreboard, just as the horn sounded, signaled the end: 12-10.

But not for the Perlas, as this would only give them more experience.

“I felt that we could beat that level, we could play at that level, we could compete at that level as the other countries’,” noted coach Pat Aquino. "Minalas lang kaunti. Last three shots — we missed it,” “But I’m so proud of these girls because they played their heart out today.”

After losing to the celebrated Dutch squad, the Filipinas took on a German side seeded 11th in the tournament. The hosts are seeded the lowest in a field of 20 teams.

“We really need more of these experiences. Yeah, we experienced championships, but this is different. You’re talking about the world,” Jack Danielle Aminam offered. "Even though we’re good — but the other team’s more experienced. Just the (NBA series) of the Cavs and [Celtics].”

Perlas saw Bernardino and Pontejos uncorking multiple shots in an attempt to send the game to a tie-breaker. A won could’ve improved their record halfway through the Pool D hostilities.

Bernardino finished with six points to pace Perlas. Miranda accounted for two while Pontejos and Aminam chimed in one each.

Laura Zdravevska and Wiebke Bruns both had four to go with Luana Rodefeld’s three. Lara Muller had a bucket to round out the production.

The Filipinas will have a chance to get over the hump when they take on a 12th-seeded Spain. They wrap the pool phase with their biggest test in third-seeded Hungary.