Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 defeated Thailand 17-15 to qualify for the main draw of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Jerrick Ahanmisi scored a crucial two-pointer in the final minute to thwart a late comeback. The team will next face Mongolia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A.
At OCBC Square in Singapore on Thursday, April 2, Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 secured a thrilling 17-15 victory over Thailand, the reigning SEA Games champions in men’s 3x3 basketball.
The Filipinos started strong, building a 14-5 lead with over five minutes remaining. Thailand closed to 13-15 on a Chanatip Jakrawan dunk, but Ahanmisi responded with a long-range shot for a 17-13 advantage. Frederick Lish missed a potential game-tying two-pointer in the closing seconds.
Ralph Cu led scoring with 6 points, all from beyond the arc, followed by Chris Koon with 5, Ahanmisi with 4, and Sean Alter with 2. Earlier, they beat Maldives 21-16 to sweep the qualifying group.
In the main draw, the Philippines faces Mongolia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A on Saturday, April 4.
