Gilas Pilipinas did not just survive the 3×3 group stage at the Asian Games in Japan. It swept it, with both the men’s and women’s teams earning direct quarterfinal berths after unbeaten runs.
The men finished the job first, pulling away late from Kazakhstan, 21-15, on Wednesday at Kinjo Futo Station Square to complete a 3-0 sweep of Pool A.
It was hardly a leisurely afternoon.
Kazakhstan raced to a 4-1 lead, but Gilas gradually wrestled control before Kazakhstan trimmed the advantage to 13-12. The Filipinos then found another gear, unleashing an 8-3 closing run led by De La Salle University teammates Doy Dungo and Luis Pablo.
Nic Cabañero led the way with seven points and three rebounds, while Dungo finished with six points, five of them during the decisive closing stretch. Pablo added five points and Koji Buenaflor three, including an early two-handed slam.
The win followed victories over powerhouse Mongolia, 19-12, and Sri Lanka, 21-12.
The women’s team matched the feat, beating Malaysia, 17-12, to also finish its group assignment unbeaten.
Malaysia entered the game unbeaten, but Gilas was in no mood to share the top spot.
Kay Dela Rosa again provided the muscle, scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds. Maria Pasilang, the shortest player among Gilas’ four, matched Dela Rosa’s seven boards while adding six points. Elizabeth Ka contributed one point and Amyah Espanol two.
The Philippines also had the statistical edge, shooting 52 percent from the field compared with Malaysia’s 39 percent, while winning the rebounding battle, 25-20.
Both Gilas squads now wait for their quarterfinal opponents, which will emerge after the play-in games involving the second- and third-place finishers.
For a tournament built around quick decisions, short games and even shorter margins, the Philippines has at least bought itself something valuable: another round without having to fight for survival first.
The men and women can now wait. The knockout stage will not.
