Nic Cabañero stars as Gilas 3x3 goes 2-0 in Asian Beach Games

Nic Cabañero showcased his talent on the international stage, powering Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 to a gritty 21–18 victory over host China at the 2026 Asian Beach Games on Saturday in Sanya.

The former UST star dropped a team-high nine points, leading the Filipinos to a statement upset over the Chinese on their home floor and kicking off their campaign on a high note.

Jeff Manday, who has played in the PBA 3x3 with San Miguel and Meralco, contributed five points while current UST star Gelo Crisostomo and incoming San Beda transferee Aldous Torculas added four and three markers, respectively. 

Gilas 3x3 then followed that up with a similar 21-18 win over Macao, China.

Cabañero also led the show with seven points while Crisostomo and Manday each added five. 

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News