Gilas Pilipinas Suns and defending champions ZOOS Tokyo flexed their dominance on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, securing spots in the quarterfinals of the Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 4.
The Suns turned heads in the afternoon session with a flawless Pool C performance.
Kacey dela Rosa spearheaded the Nationals’ assault, leading a 21-12 dismantling of CTBC Unity Fire and a 21-15 victory over the Singapore national team.
Cheska Apag closed the sweep with a 21-14 win over Uratex Dream, allowing Gilas to finish 3-0 and clinch an outright quarterfinal berth in the Philippine women’s 3×3 invitational, presented by Uratex, Smart, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Singapore, despite a strong 20-16 upset over Uratex Dream earlier, settled for second in the group and will face the New Zealand national team in the next phase.
(C) Manila Hustle 3×3
Meanwhile, Uratex Tibay edged Shoot It Dragons 20-19, advancing to a Last 16 showdown against Flowlish Gunma, and Selangor EST Jersey will meet Gilas Pilipinas Stars in the playoffs of this tournament partnered with Titan, Lanson Place, and B’lue, and sponsored by Wilson, Secret Fresh, Jollibee, and Laurin MCT Oil.
In the morning session, ZOOS Tokyo showcased why they are back-to-back champions.
The Japanese powerhouse swept Pool B, highlighted by a thrilling 21-16 escape against Pilipinas Aguilas.
(C) Manila Hustle 3×3
Ama Degbeon dominated with six points, nine rebounds, and five assists, propelling ZOOS to a 3-0 record and an automatic quarterfinal bye.
The Aguilas also advanced after finishing second in their group with a 2-1 record, overcoming the New Zealand national team 15-13 and Hanoi Basketball Federation 22-13.
The New Zealand Tall Ferns completed the trio from Pool B with a 20-18 thriller against Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Supavadee Kunchuan starred for Thailand’s CT Tigers, powering a 3-0 sweep in Pool A, including a 21-11 romp over Gilas Pilipinas Stars.
Flowlish Gunma (2-1) and Gilas Stars (1-2) also advanced to the playoffs from the same pool.
Top seeds ZOOS Tokyo, CT Tigers, Gilas Pilipinas Suns, and Pool D winners Valencia Basket 3×3 will enjoy the luxury of a direct quarterfinal berth on Sunday, while other teams battle it out for the remaining slots.
At stake is the $4,000 champion’s prize and a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Shanghai Stop in May.
