Ousted but Gilas Women make history in FIBA 3×3 World Cup

Sports

GILAS Pilipinas Women were booted out of title contention but still made history when they defeated Italy, 17-13, in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup on Wednesday night (Philippine time), June 3, at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland.

The victory was the country’s first in FIBA 3×3 World Cup history after Gilas went winless in the tournament’s 2018 edition in Bulacan.

Leading the historic win was Camille Clarin, who waxed hot from beyond the arc to finish with eight points. Afril Bernardino added four points and six rebounds while Mikka Cacho and Kacey Dela Rosa tallied three and two points, respectively, as Gilas triumphed after failing to advance to the knockout stage.

Gilas was eliminated after absorbing a 12-20 loss to China earlier in the day.

Dela Rosa and Bernardino collected four points each in the loss.

Leading the powerhouse China was Wang Lili, who scattered seven points and seven rebounds. Li Yuyan wound up with five points while Zhang Zhiting and Li Wenxia came away with four points apiece.

Gilas ended its campaign with a 1-3 (win-loss) slate.

Before losing to China, the Philippines bowed to Latvia, 11-14, and then to Germany, 10-22.

THE SCORES:

FIRST GAME

CHINA (20) – Wang 7, Li Y. 5, Zhang 4, Li W. 4.

PHILIPPINES (12) – Dela Rosa 4, Bernardino 4, Clarin 2, Cacho 2.

SECOND GAME

PHILIPPINES (17) – Clarin 8, Bernardino 4, Cacho 3, Dela Rosa 2.

ITALY (13) – Gilli 9, Miccoli 3, Palmieri 1, Caloro 0.(CCM)