3x3 Women’s Basketball captures spotlight in Manila Hustle Season 4

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The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall buzzed with energy as top female athletes clashed in Manila Hustle 3×3 Season 4 last Sunday, Feb. 9. Spectators were treated to fast-paced games, unexpected victories, and glimpses of the Philippines’ Olympic aspirations.

Uratex Dream, representing the host nation, made headlines by defeating defending champions ZOOS Tokyo, 18–16. Their momentum carried them to the finals, where they faced Japan’s Flowlish Gunma in a high-stakes showdown.

Afril Bernardino, Kaye Pingol, Sam Harada, and Li Renzhu led the Dream with determination, narrowing a 13–6 deficit before ultimately finishing 17–11. Bernardino’s standout scoring earned her a place in the Mythical Three alongside CT Tigers’ Supavadee Kunchuan.

PSC Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Program Coordinator Ryan Gregorio, and Tournament Director Peachy Medina — PSC Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Program Coordinator Ryan Gregorio, and Tournament Director Peachy Medina

Uratex Dream sets its sights on international success

Tournament director Peachy Medina highlighted the bigger vision behind the event: building a pipeline for Olympic-level talent. “Basketball is close to my heart. The players inspire me. We will continue this program until hopefully we reach the LA Olympics,” Medina said. The tournament received support from PSC Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio, SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Program Coordinator Ryan Gregorio.

Flowlish Gunma’s Canadian Olympian Saicha Grant-Allen dominated with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists, including a clutch layup in the closing moments. Teammate Misa Yokoi contributed seven points, helping the Japanese squad claim the USD 4,000 prize and a spot in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Shanghai stage in May.

Manila Hustle becomes a springboard for Olympic dreams

Uratex Dream collected USD 2,500 for finishing second, while CT Tigers earned USD 1,500 after a 21–11 victory over Gilas Pilipinas Stars for third. Consecutive runner-up finishes and rising international recognition show that Philippine women’s basketball is increasingly making its mark.

More than just a local competition, Manila Hustle 3×3 has evolved into a platform for elite athletes to pursue international opportunities and Olympic ambitions, demonstrating that the Philippines is becoming a serious contender in global women’s basketball.