Gilas Boys settle for split in Stop 2, remain tied for third in Youth Nations League

Gilas Pilipinas Boys remained in joint third place in the Asia 2 Conference standings of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League after splitting their two matches in Stop 2 on Tuesday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

The Filipinos opened the day with a narrow 21-18 defeat to Japan before rebounding with a convincing 21-8 rout of host Malaysia.

Japan, however, failed to capitalize on its victory over the Philippines after falling to New Zealand, 21-20, in the Stop 2 championship match.

Following Tuesday's results, Gilas Boys and Japan are tied for third in the overall standings with 140 points each. New Zealand and Belarus share the lead with 170 points apiece heading into Stop 3 on Wednesday.

The Philippines battled Japan closely, with the game tied at 17-all before Suguru Ishiguchi knocked down a two-pointer to put Japan ahead, 19-17, with 1:09 remaining. Jhuniel Dela Rama, who took the place of Cabs Cabonilas for the stop, answered with a basket to trim the deficit to one, but Ishiguchi sealed the win with another long-range shot with 45 seconds left.

Koji Buenaflor led Gilas with eight points, while Dela Rama and Earl Medina contributed four markers each.

The Philippines quickly bounced back in its second outing, overpowering Malaysia, 21-8, behind an eight-point effort from Jedric Daa to finish Stop 2 with a 1-1 record.

On the women's side, Gilas Pilipinas opened with a 16-9 victory over New Zealand, with Marga Villanueva and Elaine Patio combining for 11 points.

The Filipinas, however, were unable to sustain their momentum as Malaysia handed them a 21-13 loss. Patio scored six points, while Kristan Yumul added four.

Gilas Girls remained in fifth place in the conference standings with 110 points, while Belarus continued to lead the competition.

Action resumes on Wednesday for Stop 3, where the Gilas Boys will take on New Zealand and Singapore in Pool B, while the Gilas Girls face Japan and Singapore.