Gilas Pilipinas Men U23 fell to New Zealand, 21-15, in the Stop 2 Final of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Asia SEA Conference on Tuesday at Hextar World, Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
The Kiwis, who also topped Stop 1, imposed their physicality on the Filipinos in the finale.
With the Philippines trailing 8-9, Chris Martin and Te Tuhi Lewis broke the game wide open with back-to-back deuces.
Wello Lingoling and Luis Pablo managed to cut the deficit to 17-15 with 2:15 remaining, but fouls became a problem for Gilas.
The Philippines committed its 10th foul with 1:29 remaining, resulting in two free throws plus possession for New Zealand.
Lewis knocked down both free throws to put New Zealand at match point before Zion Anderson clinched the win 19 seconds later.
Still, it was an important stop for Gilas Men as the Philippines tied Malaysia for second place in the standings with 150 points, still 50 points behind New Zealand.
Pablo, the reigning UAAP 3×3 MVP, led Gilas Men with six points, while Doy Dungo added five.
Martin paced New Zealand with 11 points.
Gilas Men defeated Thailand, 20-11, before escaping with a 21-19 win over Chinese Taipei to advance to the final.
Pablo scored 19 points in total during the group phase, while Tuano knocked down the game-winner against Chinese Taipei with 1:05 remaining.
Gilas Women, composed of Kennan Ka, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, and Marielle Vingno for the stop, meanwhile, failed to advance to the final after splitting their group-phase assignments.
The Philippines defeated Vietnam, 18-13, before falling to New Zealand, 21-16.
Espanol scored nine points against Vietnam and seven against New Zealand.
Gilas Women continue to lead the conference with 160 points, but Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Thailand are just 10 points behind.
For Stop 3 on Wednesday, Gilas Men are grouped with Vietnam and Chinese Taipei, while the women’s team will face Thailand and New Zealand.
