Down to their final game in the elimination phase of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A, Gilas Pilipinas Women made sure to put the heartbreaks of two previous defeats—including a near-comeback versus Japan—in the rearview mirror to finally secure a breakthrough 73-70 win versus Lebanon at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.
With the victory, Gilas Pilipinas Women achieved two crucial things, the first of which was retaining the country’s elite Level 1 status in FIBA Women’s. Secondly, the nationals also secured a top six finish in the tournament, allowing them to punch a ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers—the Philippines’ first ever chance at cracking the prestigious basketball tournament for women.
Gilas Pilipinas Women Start Strong, Weather Late Storm
The big win didn’t come easy for Gilas Pilipinas Women.Led by Jack Animam, the nationals stormed to an early 17-point lead, 29-12, and looked set for a blowout win of their own. But a big second quarter by the Lebanese side quickly put Gilas in a nip-and-tuck affair that tested their resilience and will.
Gilas Pilipinas Women even appeared on the verge of collapse as Lebanon took the driver’s seat in the fourth, 62-61. But the nationals displayed nerves of steel, buckling down to work to get the lead back by outscoring the Middle Eastern squad, 14-8 the rest of the way.
Animam was a pillar of strength for the Philippines, firing 14 points and grabbing 16 caroms to go along her 5 assists and 3 steals. Naomi Panganiban topscored for the team with 15 markers and hit two free throws with 17 seconds left for the final tally. Sumayah Sugapong added 14 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Vanessa de Jesus chipped in 13.
Podium Finish Still Within Reach for Gilas Pilipinas Women
The win against Lebanon hiked Gilas Pilipinas Women’s record to 1-2—good enough to advance to the qualification for the semifinals, where they will take on the second-ranked team from Group A, which could be either South Korea or New Zealand.
The winner will go on to face world no. 2 Australia in the knockout stage Final Four.
