FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Gilas Women nip Lebanon, keep place in Division A

GILAS Pilipinas Women survived a Lebanon comeback, 73-70, on Wednesday to finish third place in Group B of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 in Shenzhen, China. The Philippines led by as many as 17 points but had to hold on against a charging Lebanese side to end its Group B campaign with a 1-2 win-loss record. By finishing third in the group, Gilas Women also booked a place in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup - a first for the team. The Philippines also kept its place in Division A ahead of the country's hosting of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2027. Naomi Panganiban (170-G-2006) had 15 points including two free throws to settle the final score for the Philippines, which will play the third placer of Group A in the classification phase where fifth place will be at stake. Jack-Danielle Animam (192-C/F-1998) also had a monster game for Gilas Women as she produced 14 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and three steals on the way to being named Player of the Match. Gilas Women had a fiery start as it built a 29-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Lebanon slowly trimmed the gap, even tasting a 62-61 lead midway through the fourth. Animam responded with back-to-back baskets followed by a reverse lay-up by Kaicey Dela Rosa for a 67-62 lead - enough to cushion a late Lebanon push. Celebration erupted among the Gilas players following a landmark win that also brought them to the World Cup pre-qualifying tournament set to take place in March. Sumayah Sugapong (172-G-2005) had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Vanessa de Jesus chipped in 13 points. Kent Pastrana also gave a good account of herself as she finished with seven points in 14 minutes in the University of Santo Tomas standout's Gilas tournament debut.
Courtesy of: spin.ph