Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 misses SEA Games podium for first time

The Philippine men's 3x3 basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, missed the Southeast Asian Games podium for the first time after falling to Malaysia, 21-19, in the battle for bronze.

The team had previously lost to Singapore, 21-20, in the semifinals.

The quartet of Ange Kouame, Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Janrey Pasaol had swept Group B with wins over Vietnam, Malaysia, and Lao PDR.

Ange Kouame apologized for his language after the loss, describing the team's performance as 'really f*ck*ng bad'.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy stated that the program needs to go back to the drawing board and review its approach.

Dy cited Singapore's focus on the halfcourt game and the effects of the PBA 3x3 fold-up as potential factors in the team's performance.

The Gilas Women's team was also eliminated after losing all their matches, marking the first time the Philippines failed to reach the medal rounds for both the men's and women's 3x3 sides.