Gilas Boys settle for runner-up finish in 3x3 Youth Nations League opener

Gilas Pilipinas Boys fell just one point short of capturing the opening leg of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League–Asia 2 Conference, bowing to Belarus, 20-19, in the Stop 1 final on Monday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Belarus, which is competing in the Asia conference after FIBA allowed it and Russia to return to international youth competition through selected 3x3 events in China and Malaysia due to restrictions in Europe, also claimed the women's title after edging Japan, 19-17, in overtime.

The boys' final was tightly contested, with the score tied at 15-all before Aleksei Baldin sparked a decisive run, hitting consecutive baskets to give Belarus an 18-15 lead with 1:18 remaining.

Earl Medina responded with a clutch two-pointer to keep the Philippines within striking distance, but David-Masenhe Mukete answered with a three-point play to restore Belarus' advantage.

Medina and Jedric Daa combined to cut the deficit to just one in the closing seconds, but Gilas ran out of time to complete the comeback.

Medina led the Philippines with seven points, while Cabs Cabonilas and Koji Buenaflor contributed five points each.

Mukete paced Belarus with eight points, while Arseni Viarzhbitski added six.

The Filipinos reached the championship game after sweeping their group-stage assignments, defeating New Zealand, 22-17, before beating host Malaysia, 21-14.

Buenaflor starred with nine points against New Zealand, then teamed up with Cabonilas for seven points each in the victory over Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the Gilas Pilipinas Girls squad of Alyssa Rodriguez, Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, and Marga Villanueva endured a difficult start, falling to Japan, 21-10, before absorbing a 20-11 defeat to Malaysia.

The competition resumes on Tuesday for Stop 2, where the Gilas Boys will take on Japan and Malaysia, while the Gilas Girls are set to face New Zealand and Malaysia.