Gilas Pilipinas Boys climbed into a share of the lead in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Nations League Asia 2 conference after defeating Japan, 19-14, in the Stop 3 final on Wednesday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
With the stop title, the Philippines moved into a tie with Belarus atop the conference standings with 240 points apiece.
New Zealand is in third with 230 points, followed by Japan with 220.
In the final, the trio of Cabs Cabonilas, Koji Buenaflor, and Earl Medina powered Gilas to a commanding 18-10 advantage before closing out the five-point victory.
Cabonilas led the way with seven points, Buenaflor added six, while Medina knocked down two deuces to finish with five points.
The Philippines enjoyed a dominant Stop 3 campaign, opening with a 21-16 victory over New Zealand before rolling past Singapore, 22-14, in the pool stage.
Cabonilas, who sat out Stop 2 on Tuesday, erupted for 11 points against the Kiwis before pouring in 10 more versus Singapore.
Jhuniel dela Rama and Medina chipped in six points apiece against Singapore.
On the girls’ side, Gilas remained in fifth place with 170 points.
The quartet of Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Marga Villanueva fell to Japan, 21-7, in their opener before bouncing back with a 15-11 victory over Singapore.
The conference will take a one-day break before resuming with Stop 4 on Friday.
Gilas Boys will be grouped with New Zealand and Malaysia in the pool stage, while Gilas Girls will face Japan and Malaysia.
