Besting teams in their respective divisions to make it to the finals later this year.
Last Saturday, June 13, Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong was a hive of basketball action as it played host to the Red Bull Half Court 2026 Philippines National Finals.
The games kept the audience on the edge of their seats as teams competed in Red Bull Half Court’s fast-paced 3on3 format, which features a 10-minute game clock, a 12-second shot clock, the signature Own the Court bonus, and Three-Point Shots from designated spots on the court.
The Own the Court bonus awards six points to the highest-scoring team in the cumulative tally, while the Three-Point Shots rule gives three points for shots made from specific scoring zones.
Manila’s JSKILLS and Pilipinas Aguilas emerged victorious as national champions after the Philippines’ top streetball teams collided on the court.
“We want them to see that it’s not only about the game. It’s about the chemistry, the love for the game. Basically, I tell everybody, in the Philippines, basketball is like a religion. Everybody plays it, and everybody loves it. And to represent that, it’s a very good thing,” said Fubara Whyte from JSKILLS.
The men’s final championship matchup between JSKILLS and HoopJeep HCG delivered one of the tightest games of the tournament, with both squads trading baskets deep into the closing minutes.
A crucial defensive stand and late conversion at the rim helped JSKILLS pull away to secure a 15-12 victory and claim the national title.
On the women’s side, Pilipinas Aguilas showcased composure and teamwork in a hard-fought final against Uratex Dream.
In a buzzer-beating moment, Pilipinas Aguilas took over the game with a two-point winning shot, eventually sealing an 11-9 win to become Women’s National Champions.
“We just came in a lot more focused, this being our last chance to win. We all were ready to give our 110% to win, even more so than our qualifier games because everything was on the line,” said Elizabeth Means of Pilipinas Aguilas.
“This matchup was super tough because we lost to them before. We really just focused on switching hard and locking them down on defense,” added teammate Camille Malagar.
With their championship wins, both teams earned the right to represent the country on a global stage at the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals in Manila this December.
Other teams that competed in the semifinals wete Uratex Tibay (Women’s Team), Lady Maroons (Women’s Team), SGF Kings (Men’s Team), and Filipino Mixtape (Men’s Team) of Manila; Gimcuad-Ninz (Women’s Team) and Team BOKKI (Men’s Team) of Cebu, and three-time winner Coaches Corner and two-time winner Davao Agilas of Davao.
Mea while, before the National Finals tipped off, the venue already felt like a celebration of Philippine streetball culture through a series of pre-game activities.
The Last Man Standing audience activation opened the action as guests showcased their shooting skills in front of a lively crowd.
Players from the men’s and women’s teams then battled it out in the Two-Point Shootout, while Air David, Joe Gomez De Liano, and Shawn Jackson thrilled spectators during the Dunk Contest, bringing high-flying energy and excitement to the National Finals.
The Hoop Trike, the latest addition to HoopJeepney’s lineup of mobile basketball experience, brought the game beyond the court with a modified tricycle fitted with a basketball hoop. It spotlighted streetball’s grassroots spirit and accessibility, turning everyday spaces into playable courts.
Beyond the competition, the Red Bull Half Court 2026 Philippines National Finals highlighted the passion that continues to fuel basketball culture across the country. From teammates rallying each other to courtside fans turning every possession into a significant moment, the event reflected the community, pride, and intensity that define why the Philippines is dubbed the Capital of Streetball.
Pilipinas Aguilas is headed to the World Finals motivated, especially since the game is happening on their home turf. “There is pressure because we want to show up for the Philippines and represent the Philippines well. But also, it’s motivating because all our family and friends are gonna be here to support us, and we’ll have all the extra support and encouragement,” shared Trina Guytingco.
JSKILLS is fueled with the same drive as they prepare for the World Championship. “We are much more motivated now, knowing that the entire country is rooting for us at the World Finals. We will prepare, and we’ll give our best to make sure we are representing the Philippines as best as we can,” said TH Tumalip.