SINGAPORE – Tonga (women) made history while the Philippines (men) delivered a clutch upset on Day 2 of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, as the Qualifying Draw concluded in emphatic fashion.

They were joined by Malaysia (women) and Korea (men), who also secured their spots in the Main Draw after strong performances at The Kallang.

Tonga women make history

Tonga produced one of the defining moments of Day 2, advancing to the Main Draw for the first time in their history.

They opened with a 13-4 win over Maldives in a controlled, low-scoring contest before stepping up offensively in a 15-7 victory over Macau to seal qualification.

With disciplined defense and scoring, Tonga finished unbeaten and secured a landmark breakthrough for the program. They join Australia and Philippines in Women’s Pool D.

Philippines men deliver when it counts

The Philippines saved their best for last.

After opening Day 2 with a 21-16 win over Maldives, they faced a decisive showdown against Thailand, and they Filipinos delivered under pressure.

Led by Raphael Cu, the Philippines stormed to a strong start, building a 14-6 lead midway behind hot shooting. Thailand responded with a late push, cutting the deficit to 15-13 with under two minutes remaining.

But the Philippines held firm.

They closed out a 17-15 victory, surviving a final possession as Thailand missed a potential game-tying two-pointer. The result sealed their place in the Main Draw. The Philippines now advance to Men’s Pool A, where they will face Mongolia and Chinese Taipei.

Malaysia women in control

Malaysia also impressed, going 2-0 to top their Qualifying Draw group and advance.

Leading the charge was Foo Suet Ying, who scored 15 total points across two games, including a 9-point performance against India. She knocked down six two-pointers, providing consistent scoring throughout the day.

Malaysia held off India 16-13 before pulling away late in a 21-9 win over Turkmenistan.

They advance to Women’s Pool B, where they will face Mongolia and New Zealand.

Korea men impress

Korea were among the standout teams of the day, delivering two dominant wins to secure their place in the Main Draw.

Leading the way was Lee DongGeun, who was a high-flying scoring machine across two games.

Korea dismantled Vietnam 21-7 before following it up with a 21-11 win over Tonga, completing a perfect run. Korea join Japan and Singapore in Men’s Pool C.

What’s next

With the Qualifying Draw now complete, the final Main Draw spots have been secured.

Tonga (women), Malaysia (women), Philippines (men) and Korea (men) join the field as the tournament enters its next phase.

The Main Draw tips off on Day 3, with Asia and Oceania’s top seeds entering the competition.

With the field now complete and stakes rising, the race for the Asia Cup title begins in earnest in Singapore.

FIBA

▲ The men’s 3×3 basketball national team

The South Korean men’s 3×3 basketball national team has advanced to the final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, setting up a pursuit for the country’s first-ever gold medal in the event.

Led by head coach Bae Gil-tae, the men’s 3×3 basketball team defeated the Philippines 21-9 in the tournament semifinals held today (the 25th) at the special outdoor court in the Kinjofuto Station plaza in Nagoya, Japan.

This marks South Korea’s return to the final stage for the first time in eight years, since winning the silver medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, where 3×3 basketball was first introduced as an Asian Games official sport.

The national squad—featuring Lee Joo-young, Kim Seung-woo (both from Yonsei University), Lee Dong-geun (Korea University), and Ku Min-gyo (Sungkyunkwan University), who combined to win the runners-up title at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in April this year—will team up once again to capture the country’s first gold medal.

The final is scheduled to take place at 7:30 PM, where South Korea will face the winner of the semifinal match between Qatar and Iran for the gold.

South Korea took control of the game right from the start as Lee Joo-young and Kim Seung-woo landed consecutive 2-point shots, pulling ahead to an 8-1 lead just about 1 minute and 20 seconds into the match.

With 7 minutes and 9 seconds remaining, Kim Seung-woo scored another 2-pointer to widen the gap to 13-2, and maintaining a comfortable lead, Lee Joo-young wrapped up the game by reaching the 21-point mark first with 29 seconds left on the clock.

Kim Seung-woo delivered a well-rounded performance with 8 points and 3 rebounds, alongside Lee Joo-young with 6 points, Lee Dong-geun with 4 points and 5 rebounds, and Ku Min-gyo with 3 points and 5 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the women’s national team, which reached the Asian Games semifinals for the first time, lost 8-19 to Japan in the semifinals and moved down to the bronze medal match.

The women’s team—consisting of Kim Jung-eun (BNK), Choi Ye-seul (Samsung Life), Hur Yoo-jung (Shinhan Bank), and Song Yun-ha (KB)—will face Thailand for the medal.

(Photo provided by the Korea Basketball Association, Yonhap News)

※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.

Making history in Warsaw

The Asia Cup run was followed by qualification for the World Cup — the Philippines’ first appearance since going winless as hosts in 2018 — and the team arrived in Warsaw as heavy underdogs in Pool C, which included Latvia, Paris 2024 Olympic champions Germany, People’s Republic of China, and Italy.

Defeats in their opening three games left one final chance to make a statement, and Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho seized it, toppling Italy for a landmark first win at the sport’s showpiece event.

For Dela Rosa, the result is another sign of momentum building back home.

“It’s getting big because they’re opening a lot of leagues for 3×3 in the Philippines now, women’s basketball especially,” she said. “I’m very happy that I’m a big part of it right now, and I want to be an inspiration to the other kids. I’m really happy and excited for the kids who want to play in the future.”