Gilas Pilipinas Women opened their 3×3 campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with a pair of victories on Tuesday, first stunning Mongolia before making quick work of Macao.
The Filipinas pulled off a 17-12 victory over Mongolia at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Arena, overcoming a late deficit behind a dominant finish from Kacey Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa powered her way to 10 points and three rebounds, but not before giving the Philippines a scare after appearing to hurt her right ankle during the game. The Filipina forward briefly had to deal with the ankle sprain scare but quickly returned to action, eventually taking over the game in the crucial stretch.
The Philippines trailed Mongolia, 10-11, with 3:12 remaining when Dela Rosa erupted for six of Gilas’ final seven points to turn the game around and seal the comeback victory.
The result mirrored the men’s 3×3 team’s 19-12 triumph over Mongolia a day earlier, giving the Philippines back-to-back wins over one of the world’s most established 3×3 forces.
Gilas quickly followed that up with another emphatic victory, crushing Macao, 21-4, to move to 2-0 in Pool C.
Victoria Pasilang spearheaded the offense with eight points and six rebounds. Kennan Ka added seven points, four assists, and two rebounds.
Dela Rosa chipped in four points, while Amyah Espanol contributed two points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Philippines seized control early, racing to a 15-1 advantage with 4:54 left after Ka converted a two-point shot. Pasilang then put the game away with a drive at the 2:57 mark, reaching the 21-point target and ending the contest.
The Filipinas, coached by Anton Altamirano, will close out their Pool C campaign against Malaysia on Wednesday. Malaysia also owns a 2-0 record after beating Macao, 14-3, before edging Mongolia, 17-11.
A Philippine victory over Malaysia would send Gilas directly into the quarterfinals.
