Mikka Cacho delivered in the clutch as Gilas Pilipinas Women advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series-Batam Stop with a thrilling 17-15 victory over world No. 20 Japan on Thursday evening at Alun-Alun Batam Centre in Indonesia.
Needing a win to secure a spot in Friday’s knockout stage, the National University standout took matters into her own hands in the closing seconds.
Gilas Women held a 15-14 lead with just seven seconds remaining before Miku Takahashi drove to the basket to level the score at 15-all.
Cacho answered immediately on the ensuing possession, attacking Takahashi for an and-one play with 2.6 seconds left to restore the Philippines’ lead at 17-15.
Japan still had one last chance, but Ufuoma Tanaka misfired on a corner two-pointer at the buzzer, allowing Gilas Women to celebrate its quarterfinal berth.
Tantoy Ferrer led the Philippines with seven points, while Cacho finished with six points and five rebounds.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Gilas Women will face Thailand in the quarterfinals on Friday.
It capped a grueling day for the Filipinas, who first had to battle through the qualifying draw to reach the main tournament.
The Philippines opened the qualifiers with a convincing 21-11 victory over Vietnam before edging Slovakia, 16-15. Ferrer paced the team with eight points, while Camille Clarin and Cacho added four points each.
Gilas Women then fell to France, 21-9, in its opening main draw assignment, setting up the must-win showdown against Japan.
Elizabeth Means continued to suit up despite nursing a right shoulder injury.
(C) FIBA 3×3
Meanwhile, Manila Gilas failed to advance out of the qualifying draw.
The squad featured Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, Camille Malagar, and Lee Sario, with Malagar and Sario replacing Tin Cayabyab and Ann Pingol in the lineup.
Although Manila Gilas suffered losses to Egypt, 20-18, and Mongolia, 22-18, Malagar impressed in her Women’s Series debut, scoring a combined 16 points across the two games.
