Manila Chooks TM suffered twin defeats Friday, Oct. 29 to absorb an early exit in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters at the Kasr Al Amwaj in the United Arab Emirates.
The team of Mac Tallo, Mark Yee, Chico Lanete and Zach Huang fell to world No. 4 Liman, 21-11, before losing to fifth-ranked Amsterdam, 22-8, to finish 11th in the 14-team field.
An injury suffered by former Lyceum standout Mike Nzeusseu before the start of the tournament had a big effect on Manila, which is playing its third World Tour since Aldin Ayo took over as head trainer.
Ayo said the team will be re-evaluated in preparation for the 2022 edition of FIBA’s annual 3x3 competition.
“Of course, we're disappointed,” Ayo said. “Even if we did not have Mike, it's no excuse for the performance that we had.
“We are looking to reassess our lineup for the 2022 pro circuit,” added Ayo.
Tallo once again emerged as Manila’s best player despite its struggles, posting eight points against Liman though he only had six in the lopsided defeat to Amsterdam.
Serbian-based Liman raced to a 9-3 lead and made sure Manila won’t make a big rally despite a couple of two-pointers from Tallo to seal the win with 1:51 left in the game on Stefan Kojic’s basket.
Amsterdam would then take its turn in pounding Manila as it took a 13-4 lead and never looked back. The Dutch side completed the win with less than a minute to spare.