(POC Media Pool)
The Philippines swept its first two Group C games in the women’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the 20th Asian Games on Tuesday at Kinjo Futo Station Square in Nagoya, Japan.
Gilas Women defeated Mongolia, 17-12, before routing Macau, 21-4, to stay unbeaten in group play.
Kacey Dela Rosa overcame an early right ankle injury against Mongolia and returned to finish with 10 points and three rebounds.
The 22-year-old Ateneo standout said the injury was not enough to keep her out of the game, especially after seeing her teammates struggle inside.
Kennan Ka added three points, while Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang chipped in two points each.
Coach Eric Altamirano praised the team’s composure against Mongolia, which he described as one of the strongest 3×3 teams in the region.
The Philippines will face fellow unbeaten Malaysia on Wednesday at 5:05 p.m., with the top seed and an outright quarterfinal berth at stake.
In the men’s division, the Philippines will also try to complete a sweep of Pool A when it faces Kazakhstan at 12:15 p.m.
The men’s team opened with wins over Mongolia, 19-12, and Sri Lanka, 21-12.
Nic Cabañero led the Philippines with seven points against Mongolia and eight against Sri Lanka, while Koji Buenaflor and Luis Pablo also contributed to the team’s strong start.
As of Sept. 21, the Philippines was ranked No. 20 in the FIBA men’s 3×3 world rankings, behind China at No. 5 and Japan at No. 12.
