Gilas Women were already out of contention. They chose to go out with a fight anyway.
The Philippines closed out its FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup campaign in Warsaw with a 17-13 victory over World No. 11 Italy—the first win in tournament history for the Gilas Women’s 3×3 program. It was a result that meant nothing for the standings and everything for the confidence of a program still finding its footing on the global stage.
Camille Clarin Waxes Hot for Gilas Women
Camille Clarin was the difference. The guard had struggled offensively in Gilas’ first three games, but found her shooting touch at exactly the right time—nailing 4 two-pointers to carry the Philippines past the higher-ranked European side. When Italy rallied late to cut the deficit to two at 13-15, Clarin answered with a clutch jumper with over 23 seconds remaining that put the game away for good.
She finished with 8 points and 2 rebounds. Veteran Afril Bernardino added 4 points and 2 boards, while Mikka Cacho and Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in 3 and 2 points respectively. Italy’s Caterina Gilli did everything she could with 9 points and 3 rebounds, but it was not enough.
Heartbreaks and a Triumph
The victory capped a tournament that had more lows than highs. Earlier in the day, Gilas started strongly against China—jumping out to a 6-1 lead—before the Chinese side’s poise and experience took over. China steadied, took the lead, and eventually pulled away for a 20-12 win to advance to the knockout stages. The Philippines’ tournament was over before the Italy match had even begun.
Gilas Women finished 1-3 to place fourth in Pool C—short of the top two that automatically advance to the knockouts and short of the third-place play-in berth. But the final win matters. Programs are built on moments like these—small proofs that the level is reachable, that the gap is closeable, that showing up for the last game even when elimination is confirmed means something.
This was only the second time the Gilas Women competed in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup—the first since the Philippines hosted the 2018 edition. They came, they struggled, and then they won one when it counted.
That is a start.
