Manila: The Philippines continues to make a good impression on the international stage following Uratex Dream's runner-up finish at the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 4 over the weekend. The event delivered high drama, fierce battles and a clear vision: The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
According to Philippines News Agency, Uratex Dream shocked reigning champion ZOOS Tokyo, 18-16, but Japan's Flowlish Gunma eventually prevailed in the finals, 17-11, in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Qualifier at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City on Sunday. Led by Afril Bernardino, Kaye Pingol, Sam Harada, and Li Renzhu, the Dream rallied from a 13-6 deficit in the finals before surrendering to the Japanese squad.
Bernardino's eight-point explosion earned her a spot in the Mythical Three alongside CT Tigers' Supavadee Kunchuan. 'Basketball is close to my heart. The players are my inspiration. We will continue this program until hopefully we reach the LA Olympics,'' tournament director Peachy Medina said in a news release Tuesday.
Canadian Olympian Saicha Grant-Allen led Flowlish Gunma with eight points, including a clutch layup in the dying seconds, to go with four rebounds, and three assists. Teammate Misa Yokoi added seven points as the Japanese squad pocketed USD4,000 (about PHP233,000) and secured a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Shanghai stop in May.
Uratex Dream earned USD2,500 (about PHP146,000) as runner-up, while CT Tigers, who beat Gilas Pilipinas Stars in the battle for third place, 21-11, bagged USD1,500 (about PHP87,000).
