Gilas Pilipinas Bounce Back to Keep Their Asian Games Defence Alive

Defending champions Gilas Pilipinas bounced back from an 85–89 loss to Bahrain with a 109–78 win over Kazakhstan at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, led by Jerrick Ahanmisi's 22 points and seven three-pointers. They play in Group C with China, Bahrain and Kazakhstan.

Children play basketball on a rural court in the Philippines. Photo: JFVelasquez Floro, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 14 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Asian Games 2026 basketball" is one of the top searches in the Philippines on Google this week — basketball is the country's favourite sport, and Gilas are the defending gold medallists.

Results So Far

11 September: Bahrain 89, Philippines 85 — Justine Oftana scored 31 in defeat.
12 September: Philippines 109, Kazakhstan 78 — Jerrick Ahanmisi 22 points (seven three-pointers), Robert Bolick 20.

Group C

Philippines
China
Bahrain
Kazakhstan

Games are played at the Aichi International Arena. Basketball began on 10 September, ahead of the Games' official opening ceremony on 19 September.

The Bahrain Setback

The opening loss was a surprise. Despite an outstanding 31-point performance from Oftana, the Philippines fell just short in a four-point game — a reminder of how competitive Asian basketball has become.

The Kazakhstan Response

Gilas answered emphatically. Ahanmisi's hot shooting from long range and Bolick's playmaking powered a 31-point victory, restoring confidence and keeping the team firmly in the race for the quarter-finals.

Defending Champions

The Philippines won the gold medal at the last Asian Games, making this a title defence with high expectations from fans at home.

What to Watch Next

The China game. A meeting with one of Asia's traditional powerhouses is a major test.

Three-point shooting. Consistency from outside will be key against bigger opponents.

Defence and rebounding. Limiting second-chance points proved vital against Bahrain.

Why Basketball Means So Much to Filipinos

Basketball is woven into daily life in the Philippines, from neighbourhood courts in almost every barangay to packed arenas. The country is home to the PBA, Asia's first professional basketball league, founded in 1975. It also co-hosted the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and national team games regularly draw some of the biggest television and online audiences of the year.

How to Follow

Philippine broadcasters and streaming partners are carrying the Asian Games. Check official schedules for Philippine match times, which are close to local time given the small time difference with Japan.

More From the Asian Games and the Philippines

Read our Aichi-Nagoya 2026 host guide. At home, a record number sat the Bar exam.

Sources

"Gilas fails to make it through Bahrain," Philstar — philstar.com
"Gilas rebounds, vents ire on Kazakhstan," Philstar — philstar.com
"Asian Games men's basketball: Philippines vs Bahrain," Rappler — rappler.com
"Bolick, Ahanmisi lead Gilas Pilipinas to first victory over Kazakhstan," ESPN — espn.com
"Gilas routs Kazakhstan, stays alive in Asian Games quarterfinals race," Inquirer Sports — sports.inquirer.net

gilas vs bahrain (1)

Gilas Pilipinas at the Asian Games 2026: Results, Group C and What's Next