A silver finish that felt like a breakthrough more than a setback—Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 ended their campaign at the 6th Asian Beach Games with heads held high, even as host China claimed the gold, 13-21, in the finale Wednesday at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium in China.
Against a taller, more physical Chinese side powered by Hengyu Yang’s interior dominance and Fengyi Sun’s perimeter precision, the Filipinas fought to stay within striking distance but ultimately had to settle for second best.
Gilas trailed early, 5-11, before Mikka Cacho sparked life into the comeback bid, teaming up with 3×3 veteran Kaye Pingol to steady the offense. The duo pushed the tempo, attacking downhill with purpose as Tantoy Ferrer and Gabi Bade helped chip away at China’s defense, forcing openings that briefly shifted momentum.
Bade then delivered a key highlight—converting an and-one that pulled the Philippines within four, 12-16, with 3:34 remaining. But that was as close as the Filipinas would get, as China leaned on its size and shot-making to close the door.
(C) POC-PSC Media Group
“Medyo we ran out of gas nung dulo. Pero I’m very happy with our performance. We really gave them a battle in the last game. Obviously, the height difference was a big factor,” said Gilas women 3×3 head coach Anton Altamirano after the match.
“Pero I think if we had enough rest, siguro medyo panggap na rin sila. Pero I think if we could probably give us another game against them, I think we’ll have a different result.”
Cacho led Gilas with five points, while Ferrer added four. Pingol and Bade chipped in two points each.
Still, the silver medal marked a meaningful step forward for the program, becoming its best finish since a bronze medal run in 2012.
(C) POC-PSC Media Group
The result also provided a bright spot amid a tough day for the national 3×3 program, as the Gilas Men also bowed to China, 13-21, in the bronze medal match.
The men’s squad—Jeff Manday, Nic Cabanero, Gelo Crisostomo, and Aldous Torculas—had earlier shown promise with a strong group stage run, nearly sweeping their assignments before stumbling in the knockout rounds.
They opened the tournament with a 14-21 loss to Iran, then fell just short against Thailand in the semifinals, 18-20, before China pulled away in the bronze match, seizing control midway for an 11-6 lead and never looking back en route to the podium finish.
Even in defeat, however, the day ended with a silver lining for Philippine 3×3—anchored by a women’s team that showed it can already stand its ground on the big stage.
