By NIKOLE JAVIER

Manila Hustle 3x3 will stage the first Philippine women’s invitational basketball game on Feb. 4 to 5 at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City.

A total of 12 teams from five Asian countries are expected to participate as Uratex and Smart together with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) launch the first invitational basketball game featuring an all-women lineup.

“We need both to cultivate talent and to develop the sport. Playing with International teams will help us compare and contrast our brand of basketball with theirs. There is much learning to be made from that,” said Peachy Medina, tournament director and Uratex Managing Director.

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 3x3 basketball format was officially added to the ball games featuring both men's and women's categories.

Janine Pontejos, who saw action in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and also ruled the two-point shootout contest, will take on other celebrated women's basketball players from different countries including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China and Spain.

“We are very optimistic that the number of 3x3 leagues across the country will grow because of this event. We’re also hoping that through this league, we will inspire more athletes to play this format, and sports fans to throw support to our women ballers across the globe,” Medina said.

#FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Manila Hustle 3x3 to stage first all-women invitational game