Gilas Women earn shot at Asian Games 3×3 gold; Gilas Men drop to bronze match - Rappler

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ANCHOR. Kacey dela Rosa in action for Gilas Women 3x3 in the 2026 Asian Games.

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MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Women will fight for the women’s 3×3 basketball gold medal in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, after a 13-8 win over Thailand in the semifinals at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue on Friday, September 25.

Kacey dela Rosa and Maria Pasilang showed the way in the low-scoring affair as the Filipinas stayed unbeaten and assured themselves of at least a silver.

Regardless of the color, it will be the Philippines’ first-ever 3×3 basketball medal in the Asian Games.

Pasilang finished with 5 points and 7 rebounds, including the free throw that gave Gilas Women a commanding 12-4 lead with just under four minutes remaining — more than enough time, but still too little for Thailand to recover.

Dela Rosa backstopped Pasilang with 4 points and 3 rebounds, Kennah Ka added 3 points, while Amyah Espanol chipped in 1 point and 5 rebounds in the victory that allowed the Filipinas to arrange a title clash with host Japan later on Friday.

After a 2-2 deadlock, Gilas Women pulled away with a 10-2 run, with all four players contributing baskets during the surge.

Unlike their female counterparts, Gilas Men were denied a place in the final following a rough 21-9 loss to South Korea.

A sizzling 13-2 start by the Koreans spelled the difference as the Filipinos failed to mount a comeback and found themselves relegated to the bronze-medal game. 

Luis Pablo put up 3 points and 6 rebounds in the loss, which marked the Philippines’ first after it won its first four games of the tournament, sweeping the group stage and dethroning Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals.

Koji Buenaflor added 3 points and 3 rebounds for Gilas Men, Nic Cabañero tallied 2 points and 2 rebounds, while Doy Dungo had 1 point and 3 rebounds. 

Kim Seung-woo and Lee Ju-yeong both proved to be a thorn in the side of the Philippines, firing 8 and 6 points, respectively, and knocking down two long bombs apiece. 

Gilas Men can still end their campaign on a high note as they shoot for the bronze against Iran later on Friday. – Rappler.com