BOCAUE, Bulacan — Perlas Pilipinas bowed down to a mighty Spain team, 17-21, in the resumption of Pool D women’s action at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Sunday afternoon at the Philippine Arena here.
But the Filipinas made sure they won’t go down without a fight. Buoyed by Janine Pontejos’ marksmanship, Perlas gave the visitors a run for their money.
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Paula Palomares’ equally brilliant shooting tried to generate good separation from the hosts, but Pontejos just kept on chafing at the lead.
Just like their male compatriots from last night, Perlas was hounded by fouls. Spain made every look from the charity stripe fall, posting a six-point advantage halfway through the contest.
Pontejos knocked down another two to keep the game within reach, but a defensive lapse that freed Vega Gimeno Martinez and Palomares in the shaded area made for a picture-perfect ending, as Spain wrapped the game up and dealt the crowd darlings their third loss in the tournament.
Spain enjoys an unscathed record in three outings in the global skirmish.
Perlas bows out of contention with still a game left to play in their group. They take on the third-seeded Hungary, the highest-ranked in the bunch, at 7 p.m.
The Scores:
SPAIN 21 - Palomares 11, Martinez Prat 4, Cuevas Mediavilla 4, Gimeno Martinez 2
PHILIPPINES 17 - Pontejos 13, Miranda 3., Bernardino 1, Animam 0.