MANILA—Balanga missed out on a spot in the group stages of the FIBA 3x3 Moscow Challenger after bowing to host squad Moscow, 14-21, in the last game in Qualifier Pool A at the Gorky Park in the Russian Park on Friday night.
Semen Debda made sure Balanga will not get a shocking repeat over Moscow by exploding early on to put his club up, 8-3.
Balanga still put up a fight, drawing to within four, 12-16, within the last two minutes, but Mintautas Bulanovas took over down the stretch with a dagger deuce to seal the win for Moscow.
Debda finished with 10 points, while Bulanovas added six for Moscow.
Alexandr Pavlov and Yura Bespalov chipped three and two markers respectively.
Travis Franklin led Balanga with eight points in a game where Alvin Pasaol was held to just two points.
Karl Dehesa added four points.
Debda finished with 10 points, while Bulanovas added six for Moscow.
Alexandr Pavlov and Yura Bespalov chipped three and two markers respectively.
Travis Franklin led Balanga with eight points in a game where Alvin Pasaol was held to just two points.
Karl Dehesa added four points.
The Scores:
Moscow 21 - Debda 10, Bulanovas 6, Pavlov 3, Bespalov 2.