Late Baskets Keep 3×3 Title Hopes Alive
Luis Pablo delivered two decisive baskets as Gilas Pilipinas defeated Chinese Taipei, 21-19, in the Asian Games men’s 3×3 quarterfinals. The victory sent the Philippines into the semifinals, where South Korea awaits with a championship-game berth at stake.
Luis Pablo Delivers in Gilas 3×3 Quarterfinal Thriller
Gilas survived Thursday’s quarterfinal at Kinjo Futo Station Square, where Matthew Li covered the dramatic finish for Tiebreaker Times. The Philippines built a 12-6 advantage before Chinese Taipei erased that cushion and eventually grabbed an 18-17 lead.
Doy Dungo answered with a crucial two-pointer before Yeh Weichieh tied the contest again through a late free throw. That sequence created a 19-all deadlock, leaving Gilas needing two more points to reach the automatic winning threshold.
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Gilas Survives Chinese Taipei Comeback
Chinese Taipei transformed a six-point deficit into a late advantage, forcing the Philippines to execute under significant elimination-game pressure. Gilas responded with timely shooting, rebounding, and defense rather than allowing the comeback to decide its Asian Games campaign.
Pablo Scores Final Two Baskets for Gilas
With the score tied at 19, Pablo followed his own miss and converted the offensive rebound with 42.6 seconds remaining. The putback moved Gilas to 20-19, placing the Philippines one point away from immediately ending the quarterfinal contest.
Gilas then secured a defensive stop before Pablo attacked Chang Chunsheng rather than settling for a difficult perimeter attempt. His drive produced the Philippines’ 21st point, immediately completing the victory before the 10-minute game clock could expire.
Putback and Drive Complete 21-19 Victory
Pablo’s consecutive baskets demonstrated two different ways to create decisive points during the closing possessions of 3×3 basketball. His putback extended one possession, while the following drive capitalized immediately after Gilas prevented Chinese Taipei from answering.
Dungo Answers as Chinese Taipei Erases Lead
Gilas appeared comfortable after Koji Buenaflor helped establish a 12-6 advantage, but Chinese Taipei steadily reduced that margin. Yeh powered the response, eventually helping his team level the contest at 14 before moving ahead during the closing minutes.
Chinese Taipei eventually took an 18-17 lead before Dungo buried a two-pointer over Yeh with 1:11 remaining. The shot immediately restored a 19-18 Philippine advantage, reversing the scoreboard after Gilas had surrendered its six-point cushion.
Yeh’s Two-Point Shooting Fuels Late Comeback
Yeh finished with 10 points, including three two-pointers that supplied six points toward Chinese Taipei’s determined quarterfinal comeback. His perimeter production repeatedly changed the scoreboard before Dungo’s late two-pointer and Pablo’s closing baskets ultimately answered the challenge.
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Buenaflor Controls Rebounds as Gilas Shares Scoring
Buenaflor collected 10 rebounds while scoring two points, giving Gilas important possession control throughout the tightly contested quarterfinal. His work on the boards complemented a Philippine offense that received scoring contributions from every player against Chinese Taipei.
Nic Cabañero led Gilas with eight points, while Pablo scored six and Dungo supplied another five during the victory. Their combined production allowed the Philippines to survive despite Chinese Taipei repeatedly challenging its early control during the elimination game.
Cabañero Leads Balanced Philippine Attack
Cabañero, Pablo, Dungo, and Buenaflor contributed eight, six, five, and two points respectively, accounting for all 21 Philippine points. That distribution gave Gilas several scoring options while Buenaflor’s rebounding provided additional possessions during a closely contested knockout matchup.
Gilas Advances to Asian Games Semifinals
The quarterfinal victory moved Gilas into the Asian Games semifinals, where continental rival South Korea awaits another elimination matchup. Reaching the final four also gives the Philippines another opportunity to convert its unbeaten tournament progress into a medal.
Chinese Taipei nevertheless exposed areas requiring attention after turning a 12-6 deficit into an 18-17 advantage during Thursday’s quarterfinal. Protecting leads, controlling rebounds, and limiting valuable two-point baskets remain clear priorities entering the semifinal against South Korea.
South Korea Awaits After Quarterfinal Escape
Gilas carries useful lessons into the semifinal after successfully executing when Chinese Taipei pushed the quarterfinal into decisive possessions. The Philippines now needs another disciplined performance to advance into the Asian Games men’s 3×3 championship game.
Analytical Breakdown: Every Extra Chance Counted
Pablo’s offensive rebound reflected the persistence Gilas needed when every extra possession carried enormous value during the quarterfinal. Buenaflor’s 10 rebounds strengthened that advantage, allowing teammates to attack while limiting Chinese Taipei’s valuable second-chance opportunities. Against South Korea, maintaining possession control and defending two-point attempts will be essential for converting another tight game into victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning basket for Gilas against Chinese Taipei?
Luis Pablo drove through the lane and scored over Chang Chunsheng to complete Gilas Pilipinas’ 21-19 quarterfinal victory.
How many points did Luis Pablo score?
Pablo finished with six points, including the Philippines’ final two baskets during the decisive endgame sequence.
Who led Gilas Pilipinas in scoring?
Nic Cabañero led the Philippines with eight points, while Pablo added six and Doy Dungo contributed five.
How many rebounds did Koji Buenaflor collect?
Buenaflor grabbed 10 rebounds while contributing two points during the Philippines’ quarterfinal victory over Chinese Taipei.
Who will Gilas 3×3 face in the Asian Games semifinals?
The Philippines will face continental rival South Korea for a place in the Asian Games men’s 3×3 championship game.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
