Silver lining for Gilas Women 3×3 despite Asian Beach Games final loss to host China

Bade then delivered a key highlight—converting an and-one that pulled the Philippines within four, 12-16, with 3:34 remaining. But that was as close as the Filipinas would get, as China leaned on its size and shot-making to close the door.

(C) POC-PSC Media Group

“Medyo we ran out of gas nung dulo. Pero I’m very happy with our performance. We really gave them a battle in the last game. Obviously, the height difference was a big factor,” said Gilas women 3×3 head coach Anton Altamirano after the match.

“Pero I think if we had enough rest, siguro medyo panggap na rin sila. Pero I think if we could probably give us another game against them, I think we’ll have a different result.”

Cacho led Gilas with five points, while Ferrer added four. Pingol and Bade chipped in two points each.

Still, the silver medal marked a meaningful step forward for the program, becoming its best finish since a bronze medal run in 2012.

(C) POC-PSC Media Group

The result also provided a bright spot amid a tough day for the national 3×3 program, as the Gilas Men also bowed to China, 13-21, in the bronze medal match.

The men’s squad—Jeff Manday, Nic Cabanero, Gelo Crisostomo, and Aldous Torculas—had earlier shown promise with a strong group stage run, nearly sweeping their assignments before stumbling in the knockout rounds.

They opened the tournament with a 14-21 loss to Iran, then fell just short against Thailand in the semifinals, 18-20, before China pulled away in the bronze match, seizing control midway for an 11-6 lead and never looking back en route to the podium finish.

Even in defeat, however, the day ended with a silver lining for Philippine 3×3—anchored by a women’s team that showed it can already stand its ground on the big stage.