The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s and Women’s Teams showed that the future is bright for the 3×3 program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas following their strong performance in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 Nations League at the Fengfeng Mining Area Museum in Handan Shi, China.
Collegiate stalwarts Rey Remogat, Patrick Sleat, Juan Miguel Tulabot, Zedjay Etulle, Arthur Roque and Jynno Ladimo wrapped up their mission by beating Turkmenistan 21-17 before falling to Mongolia 21-13 in the sixth and final stop of the Asia 2 bracket.
They accumulated 390 Tour Points (TPs) which was good for fourth place.
“It’s inspiring to see our young athletes competing against the best in the region,” said SBP President Al Panlilio. “As the fastest growing sport, 3×3 is an exciting opportunity for our Filipino athletes and we need the help of the local basketball community to keep sending teams out to these competitions because it will make our athletes better and our program stronger.”
Behind an amazing performance in the fifth stop where Gilas Men swept their daily rivals for a 3-0 card – the only time they ruled a leg and went unscathed in the week-long tournament — the Nationals went to the game against the Turkmen well motivated, and they didn’t disappoint.
Mongolia, meanwhile, topped the men’s tournament despite dropping a heartbreaker to Japan, 19-18, in the Stop 6 finals. The Mongolians piled up 540 tour points.
Next were Japan (460), China (395), Philippines (390), Kazakhstan (335), and Turkmenistan (310).
Meantime, the Women’s Team, bannered by Camille Clarin, collected 380 tour points in finishing fourth.
Clarin, along wth Angelica Marie Surada, Elaine Etang, Kristine Cayabyab, Cheska Lorriane Apag, and Karl Ann Pingol, closed the final leg campaign at third place as they crushed Turkmenistan 21-5 but suffered an overtime loss to Mongolia 17-15.
China claimed the title with 520 tour points while Japan (470) and Mongolia (415), finished second and third, respectively.
“Reaching great heights in the tournament would not have been possible without the support of Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, Letran College , National University, San Beda University, University of Perpetual Help System, and University of the Philippines,”’said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the universities for answering the call and making their players available to represent our country.”