Manila Chooks booted out

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Chooks TM absorbed a heartbreaking 17-21 defeat at the hands of heavy favorite Graz of Austria Friday night to crash out of the 2021 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters at the Al Gharafa Sports Complex in Qatar.

The Filipinos stunned home team Doha, 21-20, sealed by a game-winning two-pointer by Chico Lanete but fell short against the taller, bigger Austrians, who booked the lone spot to the main draw in their bracket.

Lanete, Dennis Santos and Mac Tallo exceeded expectations as they came through with big plays before falling short in the end.

Meanwhile, the 41-year-old Lanete topped the qualifiers of the two-point shootout after draining eight of the possible 10.

Lanete hopes to win it all in the finals with hopes of salvaging some measure of pride for the Filipinos.