Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 clinched a spot in the play-in round of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after pulling off a stunning upset of world power Mongolia and following it up with a 21-12 victory over Sri Lanka on Monday at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Nagoya, Japan.
The Philippines opened its campaign by shocking Mongolia, 19-12, before taking down Sri Lanka later in the day to finish the first day of Pool A play with a perfect 2-0 record.
Nic Cabañero spearheaded the Filipinos’ upset of Mongolia with seven points, including the game-clinching driving layup, while Koji Buenaflor chipped in six.
Manuel Pablo and David Dungo added three points apiece, with Pablo also grabbing seven rebounds as Gilas overcame an early deficit against the highly regarded Mongolians.
The Philippines trailed by just one before putting together a decisive 9-1 run that turned the game around and gave Gilas a 14-7 advantage. The Filipinos then held their ground to secure one of the biggest wins of their campaign.
(C) POC Media Group
Cabañero was at it again against Sri Lanka, producing eight points and six rebounds as Gilas reached the 21-point mark to complete its second victory of the day.
Buenaflor and Luis Pablo scored six points each, while Doy Dungo added one point and five assists for the Philippines.
The two victories left Gilas alone at the top of Pool A and guaranteed the Filipinos a place in the play-in round, with the team still in contention for an outright quarterfinal berth.
The Philippines will have Tuesday off before returning to action against Kazakhstan on Wednesday in its final pool-stage game.
Gilas’ victory over Mongolia proved particularly significant, as the Central Asian side bounced back later in the day by defeating Kazakhstan, 13-8, to move to 1-1. Kazakhstan had earlier beaten Sri Lanka, 17-15.
