PH faces Brazil, Mongolia in FIBA 3X3 World Cup

PHILIPPINE men’s team coach Ronnie Magsanoc said the element of surprise is the key to victory when they take on Brazil and Mongolia today in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3X3 World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“Hopefully, we bring the element of surprise against them because they are not familiar with us. I hope we can compete and bring the fight until the endgame,” Magsanoc told TheManilaTimes.

“I still believe the match up is even but I think they have the advantage on size.”

Magsanoc will bank on the talents of Stanley Pringle of GlobalPort, the 6’7 Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy of TNT KaTropa as well as the towering 6’8 rookie Christian Standhardinger.

“Christian is okay and he’ll be playing with us. He already attended practice earlier,” Magsanoc added pertaining to the healing of Standhardinger’s injured knee.

Brazil is composed of William Evangelista, Marcellus Sarmento, Carlos Silva Jr. (6’5) and the Luiz Soriani (6’3).

Mongolia is composed of Delgernyam Davaasambuu (6’3), Dulguun Enkhbat, Tsereenbaatar Enkhtaivan (6’6) and Tsenguubayar Gotov.

The No. 19 PH will face the No. 6 Brazil at 3:10 p.m. and the No. 11 Mongolia at 6:40 p.m.

“Mongolia is also good. Their players are strong and young. Anytime you represent the country, you have to compete and bring your best in the game even at the last second. Sabinganilapuso,” said Magsanoc.

On Monday, the PH will face No. 14 Canada at 4:50 p.m. and No. 3 Russia at 7 p.m. in pool C preliminary round.

Meanwhile, the PH women’s team under coach Patrick Aquino suffered an 11-21 opening day loss to the Netherlands.