Gilas’ Ping Exciminiano in the Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup.–FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Men got bounced while the country’s women’s team remained in title contention in the 2024 Fiba 3×3 Asia Cup on Saturday at OCBC Square, Singapore.
Gilas suffered back-to-back losses to Australia and Japan that led to its elimination in Pool C.
The Philippines opened with a 21-13 loss to the Aussies, who were led by the hot-shooting Todd Blanchfield.
Gilas put up a good fight as Australia found itself in a deadlock at 13 before Blanchfield got into a rhythm and hit three consecutive shots from the outside, fueling the Aussies’ breakaway.
But while Australia needed a late surge to beat the Philippines, it was a different story against Japan.
The Filipinos trailed the Japanese early and never recovered en route to a 22-12 loss that sent Gilas, composed of Mau Belen, Yutien Andrada, Joseph Sedurifa and Ping Exciminiano, packing.
Exciminiano and Sedurifa scored four points each for Gilas in the defeat.
All hope is not lost for the Philippines, though, as Gilas Women are still in contention for the gold. They face Chinese Taipei Sunday for a spot in the semifinals.