PH Teams Dominate Group Play, All Three Advance Undefeated at Cebu Hustle 3x3

Three Philippine teams made a dominant statement on the opening day of the Cebu Hustle 3x3 tournament, as Uratex Dream, Pilipinas Aguilas, and Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 all swept their group assignments undefeated on Saturday at SM Seaside City. The strong performances earned them direct quarterfinal berths in the FIBA Level 4 competition.

The local squads set the tone early against a strong mix of regional and international opponents.

In Pool B, Uratex Dream stayed perfect with a gritty overtime victory over Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, 15–13, followed by a commanding 21–13 win against Thailand’s CT Tigers. Reinforcement player Li Renzhu played a key role in both victories.

Pilipinas Aguilas also cruised through their group unbeaten, edging Singapore’s Jumpshot 12–10 behind naturalized center Bethune Means, then outlasting Thailand’s Shoot It Dragons 12–10, with Camille Malagar hitting the game-winning two-pointer in the final 30 seconds.

The Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 side likewise impressed, opening with a convincing 21–13 victory over UP Cebu before showing resilience in overtime to defeat Malaysia’s EST Jersey, 14–12. Jam Meniano and Amyah Espanol delivered crucial plays down the stretch.

Joining the unbeaten quartet was Japan’s Shinjuku Givers, who posted a 17–13 win over TOL Patriots and a dominant 21–0 victory over Move Liloan.

In other results, TOL Patriots, led by Kent Pastrana, delivered a lopsided 21–6 win over Move Liloan.

Quarterfinal action begins on Sunday at 11 a.m., with the following matchups:

- Shoot It Dragons vs Maurice Lacroix

- CT Tigers vs Jumpshot

- TOL Patriots vs UP Cebu

- EST Jersey vs Move Liloan

The tournament offers USD 3,000 to the champion, USD 2,000 to the runner-up, and USD 1,000 for third place.