Philippines dazzling from start to finish, outduels host China

Started with a disappointment, ends with a statement

After a sorry opening day, the Philippines finally barged into the winning column, downs host China to
end campaign on strong note in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup, 21-15 at Xi'An, China, Sunday

They did exactly that, as RJ Abarrientos and Ricci Rivero proved to be unstoppable once again. The duo
combined for 17 points, scoring on a dazzling display of athletic moves, killer crossovers and long range
3-pointers.

Once again it was a close match early on, with a triple by China's Jiang Huai giving China a 5-3 cushion.
But Abarrientos responded with a triple of his own to tie the game at the 8:41 mark.

Rivero then went to work, as he used his signature dribbles and euro steps to waltz past his defenders.
He teamed up with Rhayyan Amsali to give the Philippines an 8-5 advantage with 6:58 remaining in the
game.

China responded with an inside shot from burly big man Gu Yi, but Amsali gave the hilippines further
separation with a step back two-pointer to make it a 12-7 advantage.

Both teams traded two-pointers as time winded down, but it proved to be the Philippines' night, as they
hit all the big shots to keep ahead of the third-seeded China. Baskets by Jeepy Faundo and another
gorgeous Rivero reverse gave the Philippines an 18-13 lead over the host team.

And with the Philippines looking to cruise to the win, it was Abarrientos who made the killer blow, as he
nailed a crossover step back two-pointer to seal the victory for his squad.

“We appreciate all the trust and support esp those who prayed for us, we fell ahort to qualify for
quarter finals bec we started bad but we ended pretty well i guess! Thanks everyone!” Ricci Rivero, Gilas’
wingman quoted