SEA GAMES: STIFF COMPETITION AWAITS GILAS 3X3 SQUADS

BANGKOK—The Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams brace for stiff competition in the 3x3 event that kicks off the basketball competitions of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday here.

The men’s squad of Ange Kouame, Janrey Pasaol, Joseph Eriobu and Joseph Sedurifa faces Vietnam at 11:50 a.m. local time (12:50 p.m. Manila time) and Malaysia at 4:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m.) at Nimibutr Stadium.

Mikka Cacho, Kaye Pingol, Reynalyn Ferrer and Jhaz Joson of the women’s side launch their own golden quest at 11:00 a.m. (12 noon) against Indonesia, before taking on Malaysia at 6:45 p.m. (7:45 p.m.).

Both Gilas teams settled for silver two years ago in Cambodia, with the men’s team falling short against the host nation, while the ladies bowed to Vietnam in the final.

“Ang goal talaga namin is gold,” said Eriobu, who is taking a break from his PBA duties with Magnolia to atone for being part of that 2023 stint along with Sedurifa, Almond Vosotros and Lervin Flores.

Gilas Men is in Group B that also has Laos, while Group A is composed of host Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Myanmar. The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals.

“Vietnam, Malaysia at Indonesia ang mga dark horse, kaya hindi natin sila pwedeng i-take for granted,” said Eriobu. “At siyempre ‘yung Thailand, sila ‘yung host at gusto nilang manalo.”

Cacho is also out for redemption as the lone holdover of the 2023 team, with Gilas seeking a top two finish in the three-team Group A. Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Singapore, meanwhile, comprise Group B.

For Gilas Women 3x3 coach Anton Altamirano, any team is a threat.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time because all teams are competitive, unlike before,” Altamirano said. “It’s probably one of the most competitive SEA Games tournaments.”

The rest of group play, along with the semifinals and finals of both divisions will be held on Thursday. TMT  

2025-12-10T01:59:43Z