Philippines tries to catch quarters bus in FIBA 3x3 World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s team is still in contention for the two quarterfinals berth in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

But they definitely have to work hard for it as they face an unbeaten Canadian team, and then the Russians — Pool C’s highest-seeded team (third).

“We’ll try to match their size and experience with our speed, outside shooting, free throw marksmanship and defensive versatility,” head coach Ronnie Magsanoc told The STAR’s Joaquin Henson shortly after splitting the first two assignments last Saturday.

As far as marksmanship goes, Filipinos need not to worry as Stanley Pringle, Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy all accounted for a brilliant shooting when they took down a higher-seeded Brazil team in their first game.

The troika made an encore when they fell to a more experienced Mongolian squad in a game that saw the Nationals get riddled with fouls.

Christian Standhardinger will carry the brunt of protecting the middle as he goes up against a Canadian squad featuring two 6-foot-7 cagers. The other two Canadians stand at 6-foot-5 and 5-foot-10, respectively.

The Philippines will have to upset the 14th-seeded Canada in the 4:40 p.m. tussle set at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue Bulacan, in order to gain an advantage as the two countries — as well as Russia — are at a log jam with 1-1 records.

As of posting time, the Philippines is ranked fourth in Pool C behind Russia.

If it’s any consolation, the Canadians have proven that the Russians are beatable. The Filipinos will have their turn on the latter team in the 7:00 p.m. match.