NAGOYA, Japan — The Philippines’ Gilas Pilipinas U23 squad booked its ticket to the men’s 3×3 basketball quarterfinals at the 20th Asian Games on Wednesday, September 23, fending off a tough Kazakhstan side, 21-15, at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue.
The Filipinos maintained an unblemished record in Group A after overcoming Kazakhstan’s physical defense with a decisive late-game run.
With both teams deadlocked at 8-all, the Nationals unleashed a 13-7 surge spearheaded by Nic Cabañero to establish control. Kazakhstan made a late push, cutting the lead to 15-14 following a paint conversion by Timur Tangiyev. However, Gilas kept its cool, receiving crucial baskets from Cabañero, Jolo Pablo, and Doy Dungo to retain the lead before Dungo sank a match-clinching free throw to seal the win.
The result marked the third straight victory for Gilas Pilipinas in the tournament, building on earlier group stage wins against Mongolia (19-12) and Sri Lanka (21-12).
Cabañero paced the Philippine attack with seven points and three rebounds, while Dungo chipped in six points. Pablo added five points, and Buenaflor scored three.
Tangiyev led Kazakhstan with six points and eight rebounds, but his effort fell short of stopping the Kazakhs’ loss.
The Philippines will find out its quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, September 24. Defending champion Chinese Taipei, silver medalist Qatar, and bronze medalist Mongolia are also poised to advance to the knockout stage.