Midway through the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League 2025 – Asia-Pacific 1, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s lead over New Zealand and Chinese Taipei has narrowed significantly.
The Philippines placed third in Stop 3 after a heartbreaking 19-18 loss to New Zealand, but bounced back with a dominant 21-11 win over Indonesia (9:38) on Saturday (Manila time) in Doha, Qatar.
Despite the setback, the Filipinas remain atop the standings with 270 points. However, both New Zealand and Chinese Taipei are now just 30 points behind, making the race for the top spot tighter than ever.
In the opener, the Philippines led New Zealand 17-12 before the Kiwis mounted a furious rally.
Back-to-back two-pointers from Maya Taingahue and Maia Riley Jones brought New Zealand within one. Elaine Etang momentarily stopped the bleeding with a bucket, but the Kiwis came up with crucial defensive stops down the stretch.
Dominique Anastasia Stephens then knocked down a clutch two-pointer with 1:46 left, which ultimately sealed the win for New Zealand. Stephens finished with a game-high nine points.
Cielo Pagdulagan led the Philippines with eight points, while Kacey Dela Rosa was limited to five.
Against Indonesia, Etang scored seven points, while Dela Rosa and Pagdulagan chipped in six each to secure the victory.
New Zealand went on to defeat Chinese Taipei in the Stop 3 final, 20-13.
Meanwhile, the Gilas Men’s team — composed of Nic Cabanero, Zed Etulle, James Payosing, and Aldous Torculas — also finished third once again.
They fell to New Zealand, 19-13, but ended their campaign with a convincing 22-14 win over Singapore.
