Uratex Dream’s path to the championship smacked into a brick wall as they fell to eventual champion Dusseldorf ZOOS in the quarterfinals of the 3×3 Basketball Thailand International League 2024 at Mueang Pathum Thani in Thailand.
Bannered by Gilas Pilipinas Women standout Kaye Pingol, together with Sam Harada, Shanda Anies and Renzhu Li, the Dream put up a gallant stand before bowing to ZOOS, 8-13, on Friday.
Still, it was a valiant quest for Uratex, which finished fourth in Pool B but hurdled Jumpshot of Singapore, 21-12, in the wildcard round to earn its way into the quarterfinals.
Team owner Peachy Medina said she is proud at how the Dream competed despite failing to reach the semifinals.
“We had a goal of making it to the semis and I am disappointed in losing to the CT Tigers at the last minute. We need to improve our mental toughness especially during closeout or winning time,” Medina said.
“But I am really happy about how we competed against the three taller teams that compete in the FIBA Women’s Series.”
It really was a challenge like no other, with Uratex facing off against the likes of Lotto 3×3 of Poland, the Azerbaijan 3×3 women’s team which had naturalized player Marcedes Walker, and Dusseldorf ZOOS led by Aoi Katsura and Ama Degbeon.
But like in any setback, the Dream are valuing more of the learnings they gained from this tilt as they look ahead to better showing in their next campaigns.
“It was still a great experience and we relish the opportunity and the learnings playing in this high-level field,” Medina said.
“It was important for the team to see what it takes to compete at this level and we are now realizing the big gap from them to where we are. Hopefully, we will learn how to take our game to the next level.”
