Philippine teams bow out early in 2026 FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger

All three Philippine representatives failed to advance beyond the group stage of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Mandaluyong, the country’s only team in the main draw, struggled in Pool D and suffered two straight defeats. They fell to Germany’s Skyliners, 21-15, before suffering a heavy 21-8 loss to Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.

Jerrick Ahanmisi and Joseph Eriobu led Mandaluyong with six and five points respectively against the Germans, but they could not contain Niklas Kropp, who scored 10 points. Ulaanbaatar’s Nauris Miezis and Dulguun Enkhbat combined for 15 points to complete the rout.

Mandaluyong exited the tournament winless in the main draw, while both Germany and Mongolia advanced to the knockout stage.

In the qualifying draw, Pasay and San Juan del Monte also failed to progress. San Juan opened with a 21-17 loss to Spain’s Fuengirola, while Pasay was eliminated by the same Spanish team, 19-13. Pasay did manage a 21-18 consolation win over San Juan del Monte.

Ulaanbaatar’s Nauris Miezis emerged as the day’s top scorer with 21 points. Liman, Singapore, Baskets Bonn, Fuengirola, Toulouse, and Toronto also advanced from their respective pools.