Gilas Women 3×3 settles for silver vs Japan in finals

Coming off an undefeated campaign towards the final, Gilas Women’s 3×3 finished with a silver medal after falling to host Japan, during the 20th Asian Games finals at the Kinjō-futō Station Square, Sept 25.

The loss dashed the Filipinas’ campaign in the 2026 Asiad, but managed to secure the Philippines’ only basketball medal in the 2026 edition as the women’s 3×3 program returned to the tournament following its absence from the previous audition.

“Women’s [team] weren’t able to participate in the previous edition. We’re very proud of them, yung silver finish, I’m not gonna lie a bit disappointed we really wanted the gold. But then again, we’re still happy that we’re able to contribute the medal tally,” expressed by Atty. Erika Dy of SBP who was interviewed through the POC Media.

Torching the Philippines, Japan took control behind its outside shooting, knocking down seven jumpers from rainbow country to build enough cushion and pull away comfortably.

“[For] Japan, I thought played better than us in the finals. So what we need to do right now is to continue to look for ways to improve our teams and also to compete at a very high level. Progress is the most important thing for us, we’re happy but we’re not satisfied,” Coach Ryan Gregorio exclaimed.

Aichi native Yuki Hirashita then sank Japan’s final five points to snare the gold for the host nation in her hometown.

20-year-old Sakura Horiuchi spearheaded the Japanese three minutes in with a five-one run, 7-3.

6-foot Kacey Dela Rosa led the Philippines after tallying six points.