Gilas Pilipinas women in action against Zoos Tokyo in the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 2. Photo handout.MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas Women will be one of the seven local teams aiming to defend the home turf at the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season 3.

The national women’s team, bannered by Camille Clarin and Jhaz Joson, is motivated to carry the flag in the 16-team field which will be played at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay from February 8 to 9.

However, they’re not alone in that mission in the Philippine women’s 3x3 international invitational which is co-presented by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) as they would be up against other tough home-based teams.

World no. 57 Kaye Pingol teams up with Afril Bernardino as Uratex Dream aims to make a bigger mark in the tilt, while last year’s runner-up Titans will be out for redemption with Trina Guytingco pairing up with Stefanie Berberabe.

Veteran gunner Janine Pontejos will also spearhead Army Altama, as New Zealand Blue Fire, Uratex Tibay, and Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 complete the Filipino cast, but they would be up against some of the toughest teams from overseas.

Reigning champion Zoos Tokyo, led by Ama Degbeon, is seeking back-to-back crowns in the tilt which has Titan as its official partner.

Eight more foreign squads are expected to give the local squads a run for their money as they all fight for the USD 4,000 cash prize that awaits the victor, which also includes a ticket to the WKBL 3x3 tournament in Korea.

The runner-up will take home USD 2,500, while the third placer will get USD 1,000.