Despite losing Camille Clarin, Gilas posts best finish in FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

An emotional Camille Clarin hugs Jhazmin Joson and Mikka Cacho after Joson, Cacho, and Kaye Pingol eliminated Mongolia in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup quarterfinals despite having to play without the injured Clarin. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas' women's 3x3 team scored its best run ever in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup by finishing fourth at the end of the continental event on Sunday night in Singapore.

Despite missing out on the podium, Gilas, seeded fifth in the tournament, still did enough to overachieve and give the Philippine women's 3x3 basketball community something to cheer about, all the more that the national team had to play the knockout phase without Camille Clarin.

Clarin hurt her right knee late into Gilas' pool phase assignment against Australia and never returned to the game.

Despite needing to play the entire quarterfinal against Mongolia with only three players, the trio of Jhazmin Joson, Kaye Pingol, and Mikka Cacho showed heart, knocking out the Mongolians in stunning fashion, 19-15, to enter the medal rounds.

Clarin's absence was felt when Gilas lost to Japan, 9-22, in the semifinals and China, 11-21, in the battle for third, but it was still a remarkable feat for the ladies.

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