Despite already clinching a berth in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup 2026, Gilas Pilipinas Boys made sure to leave Petaling Jaya with one more stop title.
Cabs Cabonilas drained the game-winning two-pointer as the Philippines edged Japan, 19-18, in overtime to capture its third stop title of the Youth Nations League–Asia 2 Conference on Sunday at Hextar World, Empire City.
The Filipinos surrendered a 16-12 lead with 1:13 remaining in regulation after Teruchika Naito knocked down a two-pointer to force overtime.
Naito then gave Japan championship point after converting a free throw in the extra period.
But after Naito missed a potential game-winning shot from beyond the arc, Cabonilas secured the rebound and buried the decisive two-pointer to seal the victory for Gilas.
The Philippines finished the week-long tournament with 520 points, reaching the final in all six stops except Stop 2.
Japan placed second overall with 470 points, followed by New Zealand with 430, Belarus with 405, Singapore with 305, and Malaysia with 300.
Koji Buenaflor led Gilas with seven points, while Jhuniel Dela Rama added six. Cabonilas and Jedric Daa chipped in three points apiece in the championship game.
Takumi Ii paced Japan with nine points, while Naito finished with seven.
The Philippines will make only its third appearance in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup. Last year, the country’s girls’ squad of Kacey Dela Rosa, Tin Cayabyab, Cheska Apag, and Cielo Pagdulagan represented the Philippines in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the girls’ team of Alyssa Rodriguez, Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, and Marga Villanueva finished the conference in fifth place with 350 points.
