Despite being down to just three healthy players, Gilas Pilipinas Women displayed immense ‘puso’ in a stunning upset over world No. 12 Mongolia, 19-15, to book a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 semifinals, Sunday in Singapore.
The Filipina trio of Mikka Cacho, Kaye Pingol, and Jhazmin Joson took the court with heavy hearts after losing Camille Clarin to a partial right ACL tear during their pool match against Australia on Saturday evening.
With Clarin watching from the stands, her teammates drew inspiration from her, attacking fearlessly and converting 9-of-11 free throws to take control of the game.
Mongolia struggled with foul trouble, reaching its seventh foul with 4:15 remaining and picking up its 10th by the 3:03 mark.
With 15 seconds left and Gilas holding a 19-15 lead, emotions poured out as the trio realized they had defied the odds.
“We were prepared. No matter what the outcome, we are here to play with our hearts. We’re giving every Filipino our all,” said Joson, who contributed five points and four rebounds.
Cacho led the charge with nine points and six rebounds, while Pingol added five points.
As the final buzzer sounded, the three immediately went to Clarin, embracing her in a heartfelt moment.
But their journey isn’t over yet. Gilas Women now prepare to face either Japan or Korea in the semifinals.
Khulan Onolbaatar paced Mongolia with seven points and six rebounds, while Bulbul Murat and Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene chipped in three points each.
“I want to give props to the Mongolian team. They were really great and they tired us out. This was going to be our last push, so we just had to give it everything until the end,” Joson added.
