BOCAUE, Bulacan -- Canada held off a gritty Gilas Pilipinas side, 20-19, in the penultimate day of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup at the Philippine Arena here on Monday.
The Canadians, who led most of the way, survived a late rally by Gilas anchored by an explosion from RR Pogoy as the Philippine national squad was knocked out of playoff contention in the most heartbreaking of ways.
Canada led by as much as seven, 9-2, midway into the game, but Gilas began catching fire down the stretch.
Eventually, Pogoy hit back-to-back deuces and made two free throws with 1:14 to go, putting Gilas up, 18-16.
However, Canada dropped three straight points to regain the lead, 19-18.
Chris Standhardinger forced the deadlock with a layup off a post move in the next play, but Michael Linkwater scored the game-winning layup with 4.2 seconds left for Canada.
Pogoy had one more chance to steal the win but his two-point try was challenged as time expired, and Canada locked in a ticket to the playoffs on Independence Day Tuesday.
Gilas will play Russia later Monday for its swan song in the tournament. (PNA)
