Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Young Philippine Squad Falls to Egypt and Latvia on Final Day in Wuhan
The Philippines wrapped up its campaign in the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup without a victory, as the young Gilas Boys suffered back-to-back defeats against Egypt and Latvia on Friday at Hongshan Riverfront Park in Wuhan, China.
Following an opening day that featured losses to New Zealand (21-11) and Spain (21-15), the Filipino side dropped a 21-16 decision to Egypt before falling 21-11 to European powerhouse Latvia. The sweep followed the earlier group-stage elimination of the Gilas Girls, closing a challenging tournament for the national 3x3 program.
Late Rally Falls Short Against Egypt
Facing Egypt in their first assignment of the day, the quartet of Earl Medina, Cabs Cabonilas, Jedric Daa, and Malcolm Tyler found themselves playing catch-up early after conceding a quick 12-6 deficit.
The Philippines mounted a gritty second-half push behind Cabonilas, whose interior work helped trim Egypt’s cushion to 17-13 with 1:35 remaining. However, Egyptian standout Yassien Mohamed Abdou Mohamed Kersha took over down the stretch, scoring his team's final four points—including the decisive game-winner with just eight seconds left on the clock.
Medina paced the Philippines with six points courtesy of two triples from beyond the arc, while Tyler and Cabonilas chipped in four points apiece.
Latvia Controls Final Group Fixture
In their tournament finale, the Gilas Boys struggled to match the physical tempo and crisp execution of Latvia. The Latvians raced out to an insurmountable 15-4 lead early and maintained firm control throughout the contest to seal a 21-11 result.
Cabonilas and Medina led the scoring for the Philippines with four points each in the defeat.
Valuable Experience for Under-21 Roster
Despite finishing the tournament at 0-4, the Philippine contingent fielded an under-21 roster against teams featuring players up to two years older, offering vital international exposure against elite global competition.
The national 3x3 program now shifts focus to the 20th Asian Games, where a separate roster featuring Nic Cabanero, Luis Pablo, Doy Dungo, and Koji Buenaflor will aim for a podium finish.
