Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Women claim historic silver at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 women’s team captured the silver medal in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup after falling to Australia, 18-9, in the finals on Sunday in Singapore.

The finish marked the Philippines’ first-ever podium result in the tournament, improving from last year’s fourth-place showing after a loss to China in the bronze medal match.

Australia raced to a 6-0 start before Kacey Dela Rosa put the Philippines on the board. Gilas fought back to cut the deficit to 12-7, but back-to-back two-pointers from Kristy Wallace and Amy Atwell restored control for the Australians.

Atwell added another two-pointer from the top of the key with under a minute remaining to seal the win, despite late baskets from Cheska Apag.

Afril Bernardino made four points, while Dela Rosa and Apag had three and two points, respectively, for Gilas.

The victory secured Australia’s fourth straight gold medal in the competition. China, meanwhile, bagged the bronze after defeating Japan, 20-15.

Bernardino was also named in the Team of the Tournament, alongside Australia's Wallace and China's ZhiTing Zhang.

Earlier in the tournament, the Philippines defeated Mongolia, 15-12, in the quarterfinals and edged Japan, 21–19, in the semifinals. Australia also beat the Philippines, 21-10, during the pool phase.

Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas men’s team bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 15–18 loss to South Korea.

—JKC, GMA News