Gilas Women Fall in Consecutive Games at 3x3 World Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Women faced a challenging start to the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, suffering back-to-back losses that left them trailing early in Pool C at the Palace of Culture and Science.

The Filipinas opened with a close 14-11 defeat to world No. 15 Latvia, then were overpowered by world No. 6 Germany, 22-10, later on Monday (Manila time).

Despite the tough start, the national team—coming off a fourth-place finish in the Asia Cup that earned them a spot on the global stage—showed glimpses of resilience, especially in their opener against Latvia, keeping the game within reach until the final moments.

Against the Latvians, Gilas stayed close, trailing 8-6 midway through the game. Latvia extended the lead to 12-6 after a two-pointer from Paula Cirsa with 2:28 left. The Filipinas fought back, sparked by Kacey Dela Rosa’s consecutive baskets and Camille Clarin’s clutch two-pointer with 22 seconds remaining, narrowing the gap to 13-10. However, Marta Miščenko’s final score sealed the win for Latvia.

Dela Rosa led Gilas with five points and three rebounds, while Mikka Cacho contributed three points and Clarin added two. Latvia relied on Miščenko and Digna Strautmane, who scored five points each.

The second matchup against Germany was far more one-sided. Germany controlled the game from the outset, with Ama Degbeon leading the charge with 10 points, including a crucial two-pointer that effectively sealed the victory with 1:36 remaining. Laura Zolper and Britta Daub added 11 points combined, with Germany dominating the paint.

Gilas struggled offensively, with Cacho and Dela Rosa scoring four points each in the loss.

Now at the bottom of Pool C, the Filipinas aim to regroup during a rest day before facing China on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., followed by Italy at 2:45 p.m. Only the top three teams in the group will move on to the knockout stage.