Cabs Cabonilas played the hero’s role for Gilas Pilipinas Boys by drilling the game-winning two-point basket in overtime to stun Japan, 19-18, in the final of the Youth Nations League–Asia 2 Conference on Sunday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Trailing by one to start the untimed extension after giving the Japanese a free throw, Cabonilas took matters into his own hands with the biggest long bomb of the tournament’s sixth and final stop.

The Filipino ballers not only captured their third title after ruling Stops 3 and 5 but also earned the most important prize: a ticket to the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup.

Even before facing Japan, Gilas Boy had already secured a slot to the World Cup after making it to the final.

The World Cup will be held from 15 to 19 September in Wuhan, China.

Cabonilas scored three points for Gilas Boys, which swept all three games in the competition.

Koji Buenaflor finished with seven points, Jhuniel dela Rama had six, and Jedric Daa got three for the Gilas Boys.

The Philippines went up 16-12 with 1:13 left after Buenaflor’s back-to-back one-point baskets. Japan closed in, 16-15, before Daa gave Gilas Boys more breathing room with a one-point basket with three seconds left.

Teruchika Naito denied Gilas Boys the win in regulation by hitting a two-pointer as time expired to tie it at 17 and force overtime.

Naito gave Japan the lead in the extension before Cabonilas’ game-winner.

The Philippines dominated the pool stage by rolling past New Zealand, 17-11, and Singapore, 20-9.