Gilas Pilipinas Women got off to a rousing start in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2025, clinching Stop 1 on Thursday morning (Manila time) in Doha, Qatar.
The young Filipinas opened their campaign with an 18-13 stunner over New Zealand, then followed it up with a commanding 21-2 win against host Qatar — finishing the game with 3:49 left on the clock — to book a ticket to the stop final.
In the championship match, Gilas Women overpowered Chinese Taipei, 21-10, closing the game in just 1:38 to capture the leg title.
Against New Zealand, Gilas displayed a balanced offensive attack.
Kacey Dela Rosa led the charge with seven points, Tin Cayabyab added five, while Cielo Pagdulagan and Elaine Etang chipped in four and two points, respectively.
Cayabyab took the spotlight in the rout of Qatar, erupting for 12 points, including the game-winner.
In the final, three-time UAAP MVP Dela Rosa once again delivered, pouring in nine points to seal the win for the Philippines.
Stop 2 of the tournament is scheduled for Thursday.
Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas Men settled for a third-place finish after bowing to New Zealand, 19-16, before bouncing back with a 19-15 win over Indonesia.
Coach Ronnie Magsanoc tapped Nic Cabanero, Zed Etulle, Anton Eusebio, and Irele Galas to suit up for the leg.
Etulle, a San Beda forward, contributed six points in the game against New Zealand, while Cabanero added five.
Cabanero then took over in their victory against Indonesia, exploding for 11 points.
James Payosing and Aldous Torculas served as reserves for the men’s squad.
Looking ahead to Stop 2, Gilas Women are placed in a relatively lighter pool with Singapore and Qatar, while the Gilas Men are bracketed with Qatar and Indonesia.
