Gilas Pilipinas experienced a baptism of fire in their debut in the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series.
The Philippines went 1-2 in the group phase of the Ulaanbaatar leg of the global tournament on Thursday.
It was a challenging debut for Gilas, as they suffered defeats to powerhouse teams Mongolia (21-10) and Ukraine (21-16).
In their sole win — a 21-12 victory over Mongolia U23 — the game was marred by a rain delay that lasted almost two hours.
Finishing third in Pool A, the Philippines will face Austria, which finished second in Pool B just a point behind group topnotcher China U24, in the knockout quarterfinals today at 4:00 p.m.
Ukraine topped the group to after going unbeaten to earn an outright semifinals berth while Mongolia will face Thailand in the quarters.
Kaye Pingol, the top female 3×3 player in the country, still had a debut to remember, totaling 24 points for the day.
After finishing with just three points against Mongolia, the former NU Lady Bulldog produced 10 points against the hosts’ under-23 team before dropping 11 points in their gallant stand against Ukraine.
In her return to the national team after almost a decade, Allana Lim was also splendid, producing a total of nine points.
Completing the team are Hazelle Yam and Sam Harada.
