Sean Alter, Jerrick Ahanmisi steer Gilas 3×3 past Maldives in Asia Cup qualifier opener

Sean Alter and Jerrick Ahanmisi delivered when it mattered most as Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 opened its FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifying campaign with a 21-16 victory over Maldives on Wednesday.

In a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions, the Filipinos had to fend off a stubborn Maldivian side before pulling away late to secure a crucial opening-day win.

With only the top team from Group A advancing to the next stage, the result gave Gilas the start it badly needed in a qualifying pool that also includes 15th-ranked Thailand.

The Philippines, seeded ninth in the qualifying tournament, opened the game with Alter, Ahanmisi, and Ralph Cu on the floor, while Chris Koon came in as the team’s lone substitute.

Alter quickly made his presence felt, as the University of the Philippines big man started hot, scoring Gilas’ first two points to hand the Philippines an early 2-1 lead. He later added another layup to tie the game at 3-all before Koon, coming off the bench, scored inside to put Gilas ahead, 4-3.

Maldives, however, kept answering.

Ahanmisi knocked down a two-pointer to restore a 6-4 edge after another deadlock, but the Filipinos struggled to create separation as Maldives continued to stay within striking distance.

Cu then chipped in with a layup for a 7-6 lead, while Alter stayed aggressive at the rim to make it 8-6.

Still, the Maldivians refused to fade, stringing together three straight points to grab a 9-8 advantage before a two-point basket pushed them further ahead, 11-9.

That was when Gilas responded, Alter converted a tough basket plus the foul to level the game at 11-all, igniting the rally the Filipinos needed. Koon then came through with a key score to give the Philippines a 13-11 cushion.

From there, Gilas began to settle in, Alter attacked again for a 14-11 lead, Koon added a free throw for 15-11, and Alter continued his relentless pressure inside with another layup to make it 16-12.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

OFF TO A GOOD START 🇵🇭🔥

The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 3×3 team open its FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifying campaign on a high note, defeating Maldives in its first assignment, 21-16.

The Philippines eye a main draw berth as the team gears up to face Thailand later tonight at 8:25 p.m. pic.twitter.com/L5jtiIucxX

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 2, 2026

Maldives still had one last push left and trimmed the deficit to 17-15 on a two-pointer, but Gilas showed its composure in the closing stretch.

The Terrafirma guard scored on a layup to make it 18-15 before Alter once again finished at the rim to move the Filipinos to match point, 20-16.

Ahanmisi then closed the door with a jumper to seal the 21-16 triumph.

Alter emerged as the tone-setter for Gilas with his energy and constant rim pressure, while Ahanmisi delivered key buckets and poise in the finishing kick. Koon also provided an important spark off the bench, while Cu contributed timely minutes in the team’s opening push.

The win served as the first real competitive test for the newly assembled Philippine squad, which has been training together for nearly two months under coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola.

Built to be versatile and competitive in the half-court game, the team combines pro-level experience from Ahanmisi, Cu, and Koon with the youthful activity of Alter.

Gilas also entered the tournament with an average height of 6-foot-4.75, giving the squad a solid physical profile for the demanding pace and physicality of 3×3 basketball.

More importantly, the Filipinos got the result they needed, but the bigger test is still ahead as Gilas returns to action later in the day against Thailand at 8:25 p.m., in what could decide who advances out of Group A.

The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs from April 1 to 5, with the qualifiers determining the final teams that will complete the tournament proper.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!