Gilas 3X3 scores 2-0 sweep in Asian Games opener

The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men’s national basketball team got off to a dream start in the ongoing 20th Asian Games, going undefeated at 2-0 on opening day, Sept. 21, 2026, at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Nagoya, Japan.

The quartet of Nic Cabañero, Luis Pablo, Koji Buenaflor, and David Dungo kicked off its Asian Games gold medal campaign by stunning the powerhouse Mongolian squad, 19-12, followed by a convincing win against Sri Lanka, 21-12.

Ranked world No. 12 by FIBA and No. 4 in the Asia-Pacific Zone behind China, Japan, and New Zealand, Mongolia has long been established as a team to beat in the global 3×3 scene.

However, the Filipino hoopers didn’t back down, putting up a clinical 3×3 performance against the Mongolians.

Introducing himself on the 3×3 stage, Cabañero led Gilas with seven points, including the clutch layup that prevented the Mongolians from staging a dramatic comeback.

Gilas endured an early deficit, but once Cabañero put his head down and aggressively attacked the heart of Mongolia’s interior defense, the complexion of the game changed entirely after the heavy favorites got into early foul trouble.

Buenaflor also came up big for Gilas, especially when Cabañero took a quick breather, helping the national team protect its slim lead midway through the action.

Meanwhile, Pablo, De La Salle University’s starting power forward, grabbed seven rebounds and helped Gilas dictate the pace of the game with his quickness in the paint.

It was a different story against Sri Lanka, as Gilas immediately took the driver’s seat, courtesy of Cabañero’s early outburst.

Cabañero picked up where he left off and schooled the entire Sri Lankan perimeter defense, while Buenaflor and Pablo each had six markers.

Although Dungo had only one point, the crafty guard from Taft delivered five assists, filling the role of the team’s floor general in the first two games.

With the 2-0 start, Gilas secured its play-in spot and will resume its campaign on Sept. 23 against Kazakhstan, the Asia-Pacific’s No. 9-ranked 3×3 team.