NAGOYA, Japan — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3×3 basketball team secured a silver medal finish at the 20th Asian Games after falling 21-11 to a hot-shooting Japanese squad at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue on Friday, September 25.
Japan relied on perimeter shooting to overcome the Philippines’ interior presence, sinking seven two-pointers to claim the gold medal in front of a home crowd. Yuki Hirashita and Sakura Horiuchi led the host nation, contributing nine points and eight rebounds respectively while knocking down three two-pointers each.
Center Kacey Dela Rosa spearheaded the Philippine effort, pacing Gilas with six points, three rebounds, and three blocks. Despite the paint protection, the squad was unable to slow Japan’s outside assault to capture the top podium spot.
Despite the loss, the campaign marks a milestone achievement as the first-ever Asian Games medal for any Philippine 3×3 basketball team since the discipline’s inclusion in 2018.
The Filipinas reached the gold medal match undefeated following a clean sweep of their prior group and knockout stage fixtures.