Gilas Women bow out of Jinan 3x3 after Means battles shoulder injury

Elizabeth Means fought through a right shoulder injury, but Gilas Pilipinas Women could not overcome the setback as they were eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series–Jinan Stop on Saturday at Jinan Cunac Mall in China.

Means suffered the injury during a qualifying draw incident involving teammate Tin Cayabyab, but still attempted to continue playing.

Gilas Women and Manila Gilas faced off in a crucial win-or-go-home matchup after both Philippine teams advanced past Vietnam in their respective qualifying matches.

With 1:24 remaining and Gilas holding a 15-11 advantage, Means tried to navigate through a screen set by Cayabyab when the collision aggravated her shoulder injury.

Despite losing their top player for stretches, Gilas secured a 19-14 victory behind Mikka Cacho's six points. Camille Clarin and Tantoy Ferrer added five points each, while Means contributed four before being limited by the injury.

For Manila Gilas, Ann Pingol and Cayabyab scored five points apiece, while Sam Harada and Kaye Pingol added two each.

However, the Philippines entered its next matchup with only three fully healthy players and struggled against France, suffering a 21-8 defeat. Marie Milapie paced the French squad with nine points, while Marie Mané and Laetitia Guapo chipped in five apiece.

The Filipinas then faced another must-win situation but fell short against France U25, 21-14, ending their Jinan campaign. Yohana Ewodo led the way with 11 points and four rebounds, while Samantha Peytour added eight points.

Clarin and Cacho combined for 11 points for Gilas Women in the loss.

The team will now turn its attention to the next stop of the series in Batam, scheduled for July 23 to 24.