By Dugout Philippines
Janrey Pasaol's SEA Games debut ended dismally. Richard Esguerra (file photo)
BANGKOK—Gilas Pilipinas failed to secure a podium finish in men’s 3x3 for the first time after absorbing a 21-19 loss to Malaysia on Thursday at Nimibutr Stadium here.
Ange Kouame, Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Janrey Pasaol tried to salvage a podium finish following a stinging semifinal defeat at the hands of Singapore, only to be denied by a vengeful Malaysian side.
Malaysia, which lost to Gilas in pool play, secured the bronze.
“I don’t have any words right now except that we tried to get the win,” a disappointed Kouame said. “But as they say, things happen.”
The setback saw Gilas miss out on a medal for the first time since the event was first held in 2019.
Gilas took home the gold that year on home soil, before settling for bronze in 2021. Two years ago saw the Philippines took home a silver, with Eriobu and Sedurifa part of the squad.
Kouame, Eriobu, Sedurifa, and Pasaol had a promising start to the campaign by topping Pool B with a 3-0 record, capping off with Wednesday’s 21-10 rout of Laos.
The exit came a day after Gilas didn’t make the semis in women’s 3x3 following twin losses at the hands of eventual gold medalist Indonesia and Malaysia in Pool A.
