Phoenix center Justin Chua blocks the undergoal stab of Columbian import Bailey Fields during their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup game last night at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Dyip prevailed, 115-107 ROMAN PROSPERO PERLAS BOMB OUT

BOCAUE, Bulacan – Gilas Pilipinas shoots for a sweep of its remaining pool play matches to salvage a quarterfinal berth in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Monday at the Philippine Arena here.

After booking an impressive victory over Brazil followed by a setback to Mongolia, the Filipino dribblers found themselves in a must-win position when they battle unbeaten Canada at 4:50 pm and Russia at 7 pm for a chance to march into the next round.

Meanwhile, Perlas Pilipinas fell flat anew as it surrendered a 17-21 decision to Spain to bomb out of contention in the women’s division.

Egged on by a massive home crowd, Perlas appeared headed for a gigantic upset behind Janine Pontejo, who erupted for eight straight points to put them ahead, 10-8, midway through the match.

But Paula Palomares sparked a 5-1 blast to put Spain back on top, 13-11.

It was all Spain from there as it hammered the smaller Perlas Pilipinas in the shaded lanes to capture a 20-14 lead in the final four minutes.

Pontejos delivered 13 points, but it wasn’t enough as Miranda chipped in only three markers while three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Afril Bernardo had only a single point.

Perlas Pilipinas is clashing with Hungary as of press time in a bid to finish its campaign on a sweet note.

With Perlas Pilipinas already out, all eyes will now be on Gilas Pilipinas.

Entering the tournament as the 19th seed out of 20 competing teams, the host team made heads turn when it shocked sixth-seed Brazil, 15-7, before succumbing to tough Mongolia, 17-21, in the first day of action.

Head coach Ronnie Magsanoc stressed that their lack of experience in playing half-court game doomed their chances against the Mongolians.

“We had our chances,” said Magsanoc, adding that they established an 8-3 advantage early before collapsing against the rugged Mongolian defense.

“It’s about knowing how to win in the end. Their (Mongolians) experience was a major factor in this match.” Save for Troy Rosario, Gilas stalwarts Christian Standhardinger, Roger Pogoy and Stanley Pringle are all newbies in this booming event that will be played for the first time in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Fortunately for them, the setback to the Mongolians is not yet the end of the road as they can still book a slot in the next round should they emerge victorious over Canada and Russia.

That mission, however, would not be a cakewalk as the Canadians tormented the Mongolians, 21-15, and the Russians, 20-17.

Russia, on the other hand, sports a 1-1 card after losing to Canada and winless Brazil, 20-16.

Magsanoc said for them to win, they must play competitively from start to finish.

“One thing I learned from watching elite teams, when they’re already at 19 points, they’ll take the two-point shot no matter what,” he said.

“It’s a learning curve. We have to be better. We have to play the 3×3 way.”

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