Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
A Milestone for Philippine 3x3 Basketball
Far Eastern University head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy expressed immense pride following the historic silver medal finish of Gilas Pilipinas Women at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. FEU standouts Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang played instrumental roles in securing the nation's first-ever podium finish in Asian Games 3×3 basketball.
For Palmera-Dy, a long-time national team stalwart and assistant coach for the Gilas 5-on-5 squad, witnessing her collegiate players attain a continental podium held deep personal and national resonance.
“I’m very proud of them. Actually, sabi ko nga, I told Amyah the other day: me personally, I did not experience having a medal on that level. So, them bringing in a silver medal, I’m really proud of them,” said Palmera-Dy. “I told them, I’m gonna get that silver medal and ilalagay ko sa bahay ko, I will frame it. I’m really proud of these two players and [Elaine] Patio, who represented Gilas in the World Cup.”
Patio previously suited up for the Philippines at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan, China, reinforcing the growing depth within the national pool.
International Experience Powers FEU in UAAP Season 89
The lessons from the international hardwood quickly manifested in collegiate competition. In FEU's UAAP Season 89 opening fixture, the Lady Tamaraws secured a 76-71 victory over De La Salle University, anchored directly by the poise of their Asian Games medalists.
- Amyah Espanol: 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists
- Victoria Pasilang: 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists
Palmera-Dy emphasized that the tactical maturity and defensive toughness cultivated on the 3×3 circuit provide an invaluable lift for the collegiate squad.
“They represented the Philippine team well in the Asian Games. It’s very important for us as a team kung ano ‘yung na-experience nila noong Asian Games, because they carried that kind of confidence,” Palmera-Dy explained. “And ‘yung confidence na ‘yon is nakakahawa sa teammates nila, so napakalaking bagay no’n.”
Elevating Collegiate Standards Through 3x3
Espanol, a 5-foot-8 guard from Detroit, Michigan, noted that the physical demands and fast pace of high-level 3×3 play translated directly into defensive discipline and tempo management for the Lady Tamaraws.
“I’m just really grateful, and I’m sure that Coach Raiza’s really grateful that we learned a lot playing 3×3 this summer,” Espanol said. “Just last week, I think we brought so many things from our intensity on defense, improving our game through 3×3.”
With Espanol, Pasilang, and Patio carrying international pedigree, FEU aims to turn that continental momentum into sustained success throughout the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament.
