Gilas Pilipinas Men’s magical run toward an Asian Games gold medal came to an end at the hands of one of the continent’s top 3×3 teams.
The quartet of Nic Cabanero, Luis Pablo, Doy Dungo, and Koji Buenaflor bowed to FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 runner-up South Korea, 21-9, on Friday at Kinjo Futo Station Square.
It was the same South Korean team that defeated the PBA selection in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup last April.
Gilas Pilipinas will now drop to the bronze medal game, where it will face the loser of the Qatar-Iran semifinal.
The Koreans, who have been playing together in 3×3 since the start of the national team window, proved too overwhelming for the Filipinos, racing to a 13-2 lead while stifling Gilas on both ends of the court.
Lee Juyeong then nailed the game-winner with 29 seconds remaining to seal Korea’s victory.
It was a difficult outing for Gilas, which shot just 7-of-21 from the field, including 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Pablo and Buenaflor scored three points apiece for Gilas, while Cabanero added two.
Kim Seungwoo led Korea with eight points, while Lee Juyeong chipped in six.
