Gilas Women miss out on FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup crown as Australia extends reign

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Women 3×3 fell short of a historic title in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup following a one-sided 18-9 loss to defending champion Australia in the final at the OCBC Square in Singapore on Sunday, April 5.

A slow start doomed the Philippines as Australia banked on its size advantage and outside shooting to rule the continental showdown for the fourth straight edition.

Led by Amy Atwell, the Aussies raced to a 6-0 advantage and never looked back en route to capturing the women’s crown for the sixth time following victories in 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. 

Veteran forward Afril Bernardino breathed life into the Philippines’ hopes when she scored 3 straight points off a short stab and a two-pointer to pull her side within 7-12 with a little under three minutes remaining.

Australia, however, sealed the win for good by knocking down three consecutive two-pointers, one from Kristy Wallace and two from Atwell, who finished with a game-high 8 points.

Bernardino paced Gilas Women with 4 points, while Kacey dela Rosa added 3 points in the loss.

Still, it was a remarkable run for the Filipinas as they delivered the country its first-ever medal in 3×3 Asia Cup history. 

It also marked the first time a team from the Philippines reached the final of the tournament, with Gilas Women earning their place in the last dance following a dramatic come-from-behind 21-19 victory over 2025 runner-up Japan. 

Trailing 16-19 with two minutes to play, the Filipinas unleashed a 5-0 finishing run behind Dela Rosa, Bernardino, and Cheska Apag to stun the Japanese. 

Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 made the quarterfinals before absorbing an 18-15 defeat to South Korea earlier in the day. – Rappler.com