The Gilas 3×3 Men’s and Women’s teams had contrasting fates in their semifinal matches on Friday at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue. Even so, both will play for a medal in the 20th Asian Games this evening in the same venue.
Gilas Women Overcome Thailand
Gilas Women will be playing for the gold later tonight after beating Thailand, 13‑8. Maria Pasilang led the way for the Philippines in a low‑scoring, tightly contested semis showdown with 5 points and 7 rebounds, while Kacey Dela Rosa added 4 points and 3 rebounds. Kennan Ka contributed 3 points, while Amyah Espanol notched 1 point and 5 caroms.
They will be facing hometown bets Japan in the final, after the latter dispatched South Korea handily, 19‑8.
Gilas Men Succumb to South Korea
Gilas Men’s feel‑good run in 3×3 hoops ended on Friday as Nic Cabañero and company proved no match against South Korea, 21‑9. Luis Pablo and Koji Buenaflor led the men’s quartet with 3 points each, but Cabañero was held to just 2 points. Doy Dungo added 1 point.
South Korea was in complete control of the match, going 13‑for‑27 overall and hitting 4 of 15 two‑point attempts. The Philippines, in contrast, shot just 7‑for‑21 and made only one two‑pointer.
Even with the loss, the Filipinos will still have the chance at a podium finish when they take on Iran in the bronze‑medal game.
