Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 3x3 Team buckled down to business on opening day, sweeping its first two assignments in a blazing Group A start in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 on Monday.

The young Philippine side, composed of players from the UAAP and MPBL, opened its campaign with a 19-12 triumph over Mongolia, one of the established powers in the Asian 3x3 basketball scene.

Facing a Mongolian team with a strong reputation in the region, the newly assembled Filipino squad showed little hesitation, controlling the half-court from start to finish. 

The Philippines shot an impressive 55 percent from the field despite windy conditions, more than twice Mongolia’s 27 percent, while also winning the rebounding battle, 22-18.

Nic Cabanero, who plays for the Binan Tatak Gel in the MPBL, spearheaded the Philippine attack, while UST’s Koji Buenaflor was flawless from the 1-point line, converting all six of his attempts.

The Filipinos carried the momentum into their second game, overwhelming Sri Lanka after a slow start to win, 21-12, and complete a perfect opening day.

“We just needed to stay composed. ‘Yung defense talaga nagdala sa panalo. Nakita natin, we struggled at the start, but it’s not how you start the game, but how you finish,” said the 6’3” Cabanero.

With its defense finally clicking, Gilas needed only seven minutes and 12 seconds to reach the 21-point target, shooting a sizzling 67 percent from the field in an efficient offensive display. 

Cabanero again led the charge with eight points and six rebounds, while La Salle forward Manuel Pablo and Buenaflor added six points apiece.

The Philippine men’s team now turns its attention to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, with a victory securing them a place in the quarterfinals.

“Grateful kami that we got the 2-0 win, but this is the crucial part na, ‘yung quick turnaround heading into the next game, we have to move on because it’s just the beginning,” said the 6’7” Pablo.