GILAS Pilipinas 3x3 men's team got off to a rousing start in the 20th Asian Games with a 19-12 stunner of world power Mongolia on Monday in Nagoya, Japan.
Nic Cabanero paced the Filipinos with seven points including a driving layup that clinched the victory for the Philippines.
READ Saclag going for Asiad gold after beating Japan foe
Koji Buenaflor added six points for Gilas, which will face Sri Lanka later in the day as it seeks a second straight victory on the first day of 3x3 competitions.
The La Salle duo of Manuel Pablo and David Dungo had three each, with Manuel grabbing seven rebounds of Gilas' 22 rebounds.
Gilas made it two in a row as it defeated Sri Lanka, 21-12, at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue.
The 22-year-old Cabanero was again at the forefront of the Gilas attack with eight points and six rebounds, giving the Philippines the sole lead in Pool A at 2-0.
Against Mongolia, the Filipinos went on a 9-1 run to turn a slim one-point deficit to a 14-7 lead and take control of the 10-minute contest.
The Philippines takes a break on Tuesday before resuming its campaign on Wednesday against Kazakhstan as it eyes an outright berth to the quarterfinals.
Mongolia bounced back with a 13-8 win over Kazakhstan to even its record at 1-1 in a tie with its victim.
The Kazakhs earlier downed Sri Lanka (0-2), 17-15.
The scores
Philippines (19) - Cabanero 7, Buenaflor 6, Pablo 3, Dungo 3.
Mongolia (12) - Sandagdorj 5, Chinges 4, Gantsolmon 4, Ganzorig 4.
Philippines (21) - Cabanero 8, Manuel 6, Buenaflor 6, Dungo 1.
Sri Lanka (12) - Jayasinghe 6, Weerakkodige 3, Bernard 2, Gunaratna 1.
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