Gilas women exit FIBA 3x3 Wuhan joust after loss to China U23

MANILA, Philippines -- The Gilas Pilipinas women bowed out of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Wuhan leg quarterfinals after a 19-16 loss against the China U23 team Sunday.

FengYi Sun led the Chinese with eight markers, while Duoling Hu added seven.

The Philippines started the game on top, as they kept their distance in the opening minutes, going up 6-4 after a free throw by Angel Surada.

China then unleashed a 6-1 run capped by a Xinyu Wang shot to turn things around, 10-7.

A Hazelle Yam 2-pointer halted the run, but the momentum was already with the Chinese, forcing the Philippines to play catch up the rest of the way.

The Filipinas were within striking distance, 14-15, after a Yam shot from way beyond, but fouls plagued Gilas with time winding down.

China was able to build a five point lead,19-14, after free throws by Sun.

Kaye Pingol and Yam tried to tow the Philippines back into it, but they just could not pull closer.

Yam provided the spark for Gilas with seven points. Surada added four in the losing effort.

The quarterfinal exit of the Philippines is an improvement from the previous two legs in Clermont-Ferrand and Orleans in France, where they finished in the penultimate spot.

The next leg the Philippines will compete in will be in Langfang, which will start on July 12.