Cacho saves the day as Gilas Women stun Japan, reach Batam quarterfinals

Tiger Scores365

With their tournament life hanging in the balance, Gilas Pilipinas Women turned to Mikka Cacho — and the young guard delivered when it mattered most.

Cacho hit the biggest shot of the game and powered through a clutch finish as Gilas Women edged world No. 20 Japan, 17-15, on Thursday evening to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series-Batam Stop at Alun-Alun Batam Centre in Indonesia.

The Philippines needed a victory to survive into Friday’s knockout stage, and the game came down to the final seconds.

Holding a slim 15-14 advantage with only seven seconds left, Gilas Women saw Japan’s Miku Takahashi attack the basket and tie the game at 15-all.

There was barely any time left for a response — but Cacho created one.

The National University standout immediately attacked Takahashi on the next possession, drawing contact and finishing an and-one play with just 2.6 seconds remaining to give the Philippines a 17-15 lead.

Japan still had a chance to steal the win, but Ufuoma Tanaka’s corner two-pointer missed at the buzzer, sending Gilas Women into celebration and into the quarterfinals.

Tantoy Ferrer carried much of the scoring load with seven points, while Cacho finished with six points and five rebounds. The Philippines will face Thailand in the quarterfinals on Friday.

The dramatic victory capped a long day for Gilas Women, who had to fight through the qualifying draw before reaching the main tournament.

The Filipinas opened the qualifiers with a convincing 21-11 win over Vietnam before surviving Slovakia, 16-15. Ferrer led the attack with eight points, while Camille Clarin and Cacho added four each.

Their opening main draw assignment proved difficult, however, as France handed them a 21-9 defeat and set up a must-win showdown against Japan.

Elizabeth Means continued to battle through the competition despite a right shoulder injury, providing toughness and stability for the squad.

Meanwhile, Manila Gilas saw its run end in the qualifying draw after losses to Egypt, 20-18, and Mongolia, 22-18.

The squad featured Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, Camille Malagar, and Lee Sario, with Malagar and Sario stepping in for Tin Cayabyab and Ann Pingol.

Although Manila Gilas fell short of advancing, Malagar made a strong impression in her Women’s Series debut, pouring in a combined 16 points across the two qualifying games.

For Gilas Women, the night belonged to Cacho — whose late-game composure kept the Philippines’ quarterfinal hopes alive.