3x3 silver medalists shift to UAAP wars

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Games heroes led by the silver medalists from the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 women’s team return to their respective schools today as the UAAP Season 89 resumes at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo, Amyah Español and Victoria Pasilang of Far Eastern University and Kennan Ka of the University of the Philippines march on to a heroes’ welcome after delivering the country’s first-ever 3x3 medal in the Asiad.

Their Men’s counterparts - Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo of La Salle and Koji Buenaflor of Santo Tomas – also make their UAAP return after their near-podium in Japan. The troika teamed up with former King Tiger Nic Cabañero in steering Gilas Men to fourth, a major improvement from its eighth-place finish in the previous edition in Hangzhou.

National duties done, it’s back to the collegiate wars for the Asiad vets.

With Pablo and Dungo back, La Salle (1-1) tackles host Far Eastern U (1-1) in the main game at 5:30 p.m. with the goal of joining UP, National U and Ateneo at the top at 2-1.

Buenaflor and the Tigers (1-1), seek the same against UE (0-3) at 3 p.m.

Dela Rosa and Ateneo debut against her Gilas teammate Ka and UP under new coach Eric Altamirano at 10 a.m. while NU begins its revenge tour against Adamson at 8 a.m. FEU, with Gilas stars Español and Pasilang, takes on La Salle at 12 to wrap up a women’s division triple-bill.

Reigning champion Santo Tomas opened the women’s play last week with a roaring 103-58 win against UE.