Gilas Men 3x3 clinch Asian Beach Games quarterfinals berth despite loss to Iran

Gilas Pilipinas Men 3x3 absorbed a 21-14 loss to Iran, but still punched a quarterfinals ticket in the 2026 Asian Beach Games on Monday at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium in China. 

The loss gave the Filipinos their first loss of the tournament, but their 2-1 record, boosted by wins over China and Macao was enough to top Group A and advance to the next round.  

Jeff Manday paced the Philippines with nine points while Nic Cabañero chipped in five markers in the losing effort. Iran, meanwhile, flaunted a balanced attack with Mohammadmahdi Rahimi pouring in eight points while Piter Girgoorian posted seven. 

Gilas will now advance to the quarterfinals set for Tuesday. 

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News