Gilas Pilipinas’ Kaye Pingol (11), Jhaz Joson (15) and Mikka Cacho celebrate after an emotional win over Mongolia to reach the Fiba Asia Cup 3×3 semifinal in Singapore.–FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Gilas Pilipinas Women missed out on a podium after a loss to China, 21-11, in the battle for third place but wound up with their best finish in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup 3×3 on Sunday in Singapore.
It was an inspiring run for Gilas Women, who placed fourth despite being down to just three players in their last three games after Camille Clarin missed the rest of the tournament with a right knee injury.
“Grateful to have shared the court with these 3 girls. Their determination and heart are the standard of what it means to represent the flag,” Clarin posted on her Instagram Sunday night.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas men open Fiba Asia Cup 3×3 bid
🥹 What it means!
🇵🇭 The Philippines claim victory against Mongolia in the Quarter-Final, despite losing star Camille Clarin to injury yesterday. #3x3Asia pic.twitter.com/qbn6wE7vg7
— 3×3 Basketball | FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) March 30, 2025
Clarin hurt her knee midway through Gilas’ Pool D loss to defending champion Australia on Saturday.
Short-handed, Gilas–led by Mikka Cacho, Jhaz Joson and Kaye Pingol–soldiered on and knocked out world No. 12 Mongolia, 19-15, in an emotional quarterfinal win on Sunday.
“All the heart, all the emotions for the Philippines! They advanced to the semifinals with only 3 players after losing Camille Clarin yesterday due to an injury,” wrote Fiba in an Instagram post where Clarin was seen crying.
“Para sa’yo ‘to (This win is for you),” Cacho said in the video while embracing Clarin after the win.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 victorious on first day of Singapore tilt
In the semifinals, however, Japan proved too much for a weary Gilas side. The fleet-footed Japanese ran circles around the Filipinos en route to a 22-9 blowout. Cacho kept Gilas within range, 9-12, with 4:47 remaining but that turned out to be the Nationals’ last point.
While Japan’s quickness caused problems for Gilas, the Filipinos had no answer for China’s size and length in their bronze medal game.
Australia pulled off a three-peat after beating Japan, 21-17, in the final. The Australians also ruled the men’s side, scraping past China, 21-19 in the championship game for their second consecutive crown.
Gilas Women’s previous best finish in the Asia Cup 3×3 was sixth which they accomplished just last year.
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