Gilas Women Fall Short in FIBA 3×3 Medal Bid

SINGAPORE — Gilas Pilipinas Women missed out on a podium finish in the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup after falling to Japan and China in the semifinal and bronze medal matches Sunday at the Singapore Sports Hub.

Undermanned due to a key injury, the Filipinas absorbed a 22-9 loss to Japan in the semifinals, followed by a 21-11 defeat against China in the battle for third.

Australia secured the gold medal after edging Japan 21-17 in a tightly contested final.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) later confirmed that guard Camille Clarin suffered a high-grade partial ACL tear during their preliminary game against Australia on Saturday.

Clarin, a longtime Gilas standout, sustained the injury midway through the match and was sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.

“The MRI results showed a high-grade partial tear on her ACL,” the SBP said in an official update.

Despite playing with only three players, Gilas managed to push through the knockout rounds.

Mikka Cacho led the charge in both matches, tallying five points and four rebounds against Japan, and contributing six points and six boards versus China.

Gilas had entered the semifinals on momentum following strong performances in the group stage, but the absence of Clarin proved a critical blow in the medal rounds.

This marks the second straight year Gilas Women reached the semifinals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, having also made a top-four finish in 2023.

FIBA 3×3 is a fast-paced basketball format included in the Olympic program since Tokyo 2020, with matches played in a single 10-minute period or until one team scores 21 points.

The women’s team is expected to regroup in preparation for future international competitions, including the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.