MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 women’s team delivered a breakthrough podium finish but fell short of gold after bowing to host China, 13-21, in the finals of the 6th Asian Beach Games on Wednesday at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium in Sanya, China.
Despite the loss, the silver medal marked the country’s best finish in the women’s 3×3 event, surpassing its previous bronze medal showing in 2012 and highlighting the team’s growing presence in the regional stage.
Facing a taller and more physically imposing Chinese squad led by Hengyu Yang and the perimeter shooting of Fengyi Sun, the Filipinas struggled to keep pace early and trailed, 5-11.
Gilas mounted a fightback behind Mikka Cacho and veteran Kaye Pingol, who attacked the basket with speed and aggression, while Tantoy Ferrer and Gabi Bade found openings against the Chinese defense.
Bade’s and-one play cut the deficit to four, 12-16, with 3:34 remaining, giving the Philippines a glimmer of hope.
However, China’s firepower and size proved decisive down the stretch as the hosts pulled away to secure the gold medal.
“Medyo we ran out of gas nung dulo. Pero I’m very happy with our performance. We really gave them a battle in the last game. Obviously, the height difference was a big factor,” said Gilas women 3×3 head coach Anton Altamirano.
“Pero I think if we had enough rest, siguro medyo panggap na rin sila. Pero I think if we could probably give us another game against them, I think we’ll have a different result.”
Cacho led the Philippines with five points, while Ferrer added four. Pingol and Bade chipped in two points apiece.
The women’s silver provided a bright spot for the national 3×3 program after the men’s team also fell to China with an identical score and missed the podium./PN
