Liman too much for Manila Chooks despite Munzon's hot run

Aleksandar Ratkov boxes out Troy Rike while going for the rebound. Chooks-to-Go

By Dugout Philippines

DOHA--Manila Chooks TM's gallant stand versus world no. 1 Liman was not enough, bowing 15-22 (7:38) in Pool A of the 2020 FIBA 3X3 Doha World Tour Masters, early Saturday (Manila Time) at the Al Gharafa Sports Complex here.

Down by as much as seven points early, 5-12, Philippine no. 1 player Joshua Munzon found his touch from distance, knocking down three deuces in an 8-2 rally to cut the lead down to just one.

Liman though utilized its size, leaning on Mihailo Vasic and Stefan Kojic -- both 6-foot-6 -- to stop their bleeding.

Though Alvin Pasaol tried to keep Manila afloat but Stefan Stojacic, who is the head trainer of Gilas 3x3, shut the door for any comeback. The 2017 World Tour MVP knocked down the game-sealing deuce with 2:22 to spare to sweep Pool A and advance to the knockout playoffs on Saturday.

Munzon led the Philippines with nine points built on four deuces while Pasaol added four markers.

Troy Rike and Santi Santillan had a point each with the latter grabbing three boards as well.

Liman, who earlier beat Lusail 21-8 (6:43) on Friday, was led by Vasic and Kojic with seven points apiece.

Stojacic and Aleksandar Ratkov had four points each with the former hauling five boards as well.

Manila will face home team Lusail in a do-or-die encounter at 1:35 a.m. (Manila time).

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