FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Gilas Women finish 6th after yielding to New Zealand

Gilas Pilipinas Women settled for a sixth-place finish in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after falling to New Zealand, 78-71, in the classification phase on Saturday, July 19, in Shenzhen, China. The Filipinas ended their campaign with a 1-4 record, enough to secure a spot in the FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in 2026. Gilas came close to pulling off an upset late in the game after leading by three, 68-65, only to concede an 11-0 run that pushed world No. 26 Tall Ferns to a 76-68 lead with just over two minutes left en route to the win. The late collapse put the Filipinas in the same spot as their 2023 campaign, where they also finished sixth in Sydney, Australia. Naturalized player Vanessa De Jesus (173-G-2002) led the Philippines with 16 points, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Three others scored in double digits for Gilas, as Khate Castillo hit four threes for a 14-point performance on top of Sumayah Sugapong (172-G-2005) and Naomi Panganiban (170-G-2006)’s 11-point outings. Meanwhile, Jack-Danielle Animam (192-C/F-1998) added 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks for Gilas in a losing effort. The Nationals shot well from three, making 10 of their 26 treys, against New Zealand’s 5-of-26 clip from the long range. Gilas struggled to start the game, finding themselves in an 18-31 hole early in the first half, before narrowing the gap to just four points, 38-42, after a 20-11 run to enter halftime. Gilas then zoomed to a slim lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Tall Ferns in the period, 18-11, to enter the final frame with momentum, only to squander it late. Esra McGoldrick (188-F-1999, college: NC State) led New Zealand with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists to put them at the fifth spot in the continental tilt.
Courtesy of: rappler.com