MANILA, Philippines — The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 women’s team failed to deliver a fourth gold medal for Team Philippines at the 6th Asian Beach Games when they fell against host China, 13-21, in the gold medal match Wednesday at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium in Sanya, China.
Up against a towering China team led by the inside presence of Hengyu Yang and the sharp shooting of Fengyi Sun, the Gilas belles were left chasing all throughout the game.
Early on, the Nationals were behind, 5-11, before bruiser Mikka Cacho willed the team back alongside 3x3 veteran Kaye Pingol.
Utilizing their speed, Cacho and Pingol attacked the basket with Tantoy Ferrer and Gabi Bade also poking holes in the China defense which kept Gilas looking for an outside shoot that just didn’t come.
Bade made things interesting with a converted and-one opportunity that got the Philippines within four, 12-16, with 3:34 ticks remaining.
But with its offensive arsenal, China was just too overwhelming.
“Medyo we ran out of gas nung dulo. Pero I'm very happy with our performance. We really gave them a battle in the last game. Obviously, the height difference was a big factor,” said Gilas women 3x3 head coach Anton Altamirano after the match.
“Pero I think if we had enough rest, siguro medyo panggap na rin sila. Pero I think if we could probably give us another game against them, I think we'll have a different result.” Cacho finished with five points while Ferrer added four markers. Pingol and Bade added two points each.
The women’s silver softened the blow of a missed podium for the men’s team who also fell against China with an identical scores.
It was also the best finish for the Gilas women who last finished on the podium in 2012 when they clinched the bronze. TMT
