Though the Philippines fell short of advancing to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women still achieved a historic breakthrough by securing their first-ever victory on the global stage—an important result as the team builds toward the 2027 edition of the tournament in Singapore.
The Filipinas ended their campaign on a high note, defeating Italy, 17-13, on Wednesday evening (Manila time) at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland.
The victory marked the Philippines’ first win in FIBA 3×3 World Cup history after going winless in its previous appearance during the 2018 edition held in Bulacan.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Camille Clarin, playing in just her third tournament since recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year, led the way with eight points, all coming from beyond the arc.
Afril Bernardino contributed four points and six rebounds, while Mikka Cacho and Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in three and two points, respectively.
Holding a slim 11-10 advantage with 2:14 remaining, the Philippines created separation through back-to-back baskets from Cacho and Bernardino.
Bernardino then traded baskets with Maria Miccoli and Caterina Gilli before Clarin buried her fourth two-pointer of the game to seal the historic win with just 20 seconds left.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Earlier in the day, the Filipinas were officially eliminated from knockout-stage contention following a 20-12 loss to tournament powerhouse China.
Dela Rosa and Bernardino scored four points apiece in the defeat, but China’s cohesion and experience proved too much to overcome.
Wang Lili posted seven points and seven rebounds for China, while Li Yuyan added five points. Zhang Zhiting and Li Wenxia finished with four points each.
The Philippines opened its campaign with losses to Latvia, 14-11, and Germany, 22-10.
Germany swept Pool C to advance directly to the quarterfinals, while Latvia (3-1) and China (2-2) moved on to the play-in round. Italy finished at the bottom of the group standings.
The Scores:
First Game:
China 20 – Wang 7, Li Y. 5, Zhang 4, Li W. 4.
Philippines 12 – Dela Rosa 4, Bernardino 4, Clarin 2, Cacho 2.
Second Game:
Philippines 17 – Clarin 8, Bernardino 4, Cacho 3, Dela Rosa 2.
Italy 13 – Gilli 9, Miccoli 3, Palmieri 1, Caloro 0.
