Manila Gilas advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series – Ulaanbaatar Stop after sweeping the qualifying draw and finishing second in Pool D on Thursday at Sukhbaatar Main Square.
The Filipinas opened their campaign with dominant victories over Lion City, 15-5, and Sukhbaatar, 21-13, in just 7 minutes and 56 seconds during the qualification phase.
Carrying that momentum into the main draw, Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab teamed up in the closing moments to lift Manila Gilas to a thrilling 20-18 victory over Mongolia in their Pool D opener.
China later defeated Mongolia, 19-11, officially securing Manila Gilas a place in Friday’s knockout round.
(C) FIBA 3×3
However, the Filipinas could not overcome the size and strength of China, falling 21-13 in 9 minutes and 21 seconds to settle for second place in the group.
Manila Gilas will face Germany in the quarterfinals on Friday at 4:10 p.m.
Against Lion City, Cayabyab carried the scoring load, pouring in nine points—more than the entire opposing team. She followed that performance with 10 points against Sukhbaatar, while Sam Harada chipped in seven markers.
Ann Pingol then stepped up against Mongolia, leading Manila Gilas with nine points.
With the score tied at 18-all and just 27 seconds remaining, Ann Pingol converted the go-ahead basket before Cayabyab knocked down the dagger to seal the win.
China, however, proved too much to handle in the Pool D finale.
Kaye Pingol paced Manila Gilas with five points, while Harada and Cayabyab contributed four points apiece.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Meanwhile, Gilas Women 3×3, composed of Kacey Dela Rosa, Tantoy Ferrer, Mikka Cacho, and Camille Clarin, failed to advance out of the qualifiers after suffering defeats to New Zealand, 21-13 in 8 minutes and 10 seconds, and Paraguay, 20-18.
Dela Rosa was limited to just two points against New Zealand but bounced back with seven points in the narrow loss to Paraguay.
