SINGAPORE — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3×3 basketball team secured a historic silver medal at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, marking the best finish ever by a Philippine squad in the tournament’s history.
In the title game held at the OCBC Arena on Sunday, the Filipinas fought valiantly but were overpowered by defending champions Australia, falling 18–9 in the finals. Despite the loss, the podium finish represents a breakthrough achievement for the team.
The Philippine squad — featuring Kacey Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Cheska Apag — thrilled fans throughout the week with impressive performances. They advanced to the finals by defeating powerhouses such as Mongolia and Japan, with the semifinal win over Japan (21–19) clinching the nation’s first-ever berth in the tournament’s championship match.
This medal finish improves on the Philippines’ previous best result — a fourth‑place finish last year — and highlights the rapid growth of the country’s 3×3 program on the international stage.
Australia, claiming its fourth straight FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup women’s title, dominated the final with a strong run, but Gilas’ inspirational journey captured the attention of Filipino fans and basketball observers across the region.
The Philippines now sets its sights on the upcoming 3×3 World Cup qualifiers, where the squad will aim to build on its momentum and continue elevating the sport.