Gilas Pilipinas Men and Women 3×3 secure semifinal spots in the 6th Asian Beach Games

Both Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s 3×3 squads carved out hard-earned paths to the semifinals of the 6th Asian Beach Games at the Sanya Sports Centre Stadium, keeping the country’s medal push alive in dramatic fashion.

For the men, the road to the Final Four was anything but smooth. After clinging to an 11-8 edge against India, Gilas suddenly found itself on the back foot as momentum slipped away late. 

But in a format where games can flip in seconds, Jeff Manday took control when it mattered most. He sparked a decisive 5-0 closing run, tying the game at 14-all with just 22 seconds remaining.

Fouls drawn by Manday and Aldous Torculas proved costly for India, as the Filipinos calmly converted from the free-throw line. Torculas delivered under pressure, sinking crucial shots with 9.8 seconds left to push the lead to 16-14, before Manday iced the game for an 18-14 escape.

“Although underdog kami, lumaban kami hanggang dulo. Thankful ako sa teammates ko, nagtatrabaho para sa bayan,” Manday said.

That resilience now sets up a semifinal clash with Thailand, a familiar regional rival, as Gilas looks to turn survival into a shot at gold.

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“HINDI PA ‘TO TAPOS. MAY SEMIS PA.”

Jeff Manday expressed pride in Gilas Pilipinas for overcoming India and securing a semifinal spot in the men’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the 6th Asian Beach Games. #AsianBeachGames #2026ABG #Sanya2026

Luisa Morales/POC Media pic.twitter.com/IKxLsvHcxQ

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 28, 2026

ONTO THE SEMIS SAYA SA SANYA

Gilas Pilipinas defeats Kazakhstan, 16-11, in the Women’s 3×3 Basketball Quarterfinals at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium during the 6th Asian Beach Games.

RM Chua/POC Media pic.twitter.com/VcRqRAl2qk

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) April 28, 2026

If the men relied on late-game poise, the women built their breakthrough on controlled aggression.

Facing a taller Kazakhstan side, the Women’s team leaned into their advantage and speed. Instead of settling for outside shots, they relentlessly attacked the rim, forcing the defense to react and opening scoring opportunities.

When Kazakhstan closed the gap to 12-11 midway through, the response was immediate. Tantoy Ferrer delivered a clutch basket to extend the lead to 14-11 with under two minutes left, before Mikka Cacho finished the job with back-to-back points, sealing a 16-11 victory and a semifinal berth.

“Iyon nga, sa scouting report namin, more on outside shooting sila at mas malalaki sa amin. Alam naman namin na kahit mas maliliit kami, mas mabilis kami,” Ferrer said.

Now, the quartet of Cacho, Ferrer, Gabi Bade, and Kaye Pingol turns its focus to Singapore in the semifinals, carrying with them a formula built on pace and precision.

With both squads advancing, Gilas doubles its chances of adding to the Philippines’ medal haul. The country currently sits third overall with eight medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), trailing Thailand in second with 22 total medals, and powerhouse China on top with 43 medals in the 6th Asian Beach Games. 

More importantly, both teams have shown they can adapt, respond, and finish which matters the most with medals now within reach. 

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