Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 has officially qualified for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 main draw after sweeping its qualifying group in Singapore, highlighted by a thrilling 17-15 victory over reigning Southeast Asian Games champions Thailand.

The Philippine squad, composed of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter, opened its campaign with a convincing 21-16 win over Maldives, powered by Alter’s 11-point performance. 

The team then faced a tougher challenge against Thailand, where Ahanmisi drained a crucial two-pointer in the final minute to give Gilas a 17-13 cushion. Despite a late rally from the Thais, including a dunk by Chanatip Jakrawan that cut the lead to two, the Filipinos held firm to secure the win.

The victory not only eliminated Thailand, the SEA Games 3x3 champions, but also ensured Gilas swept Qualifying Draw A to advance to pool play in the main tournament. Ralph Cu contributed six points in the Thailand game, while Koon and Ahanmisi added four and five points respectively, showcasing a balanced scoring effort.

The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is being held at the OCBC Arena in Singapore, with top teams from across the continent vying for supremacy in the fast-paced half-court format. For Gilas, the qualification marks a significant achievement, as the team continues to build momentum in international 3x3 competition.

This qualification is seen as a morale boost for Philippine basketball, which has been investing heavily in 3x3 development. The squad’s resilience against Thailand, a regional powerhouse, underscores its potential to make a deep run in the main draw. Fans and analysts alike are now eager to see how Gilas will perform against Asia’s elite teams in the next stage of the tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas 3x3’s sweep of its qualifying group in Singapore has secured its place in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 main draw, raising hopes for a strong showing in the continental competition.