The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team finished strong in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in China, placing 6th after falling to New Zealand in their final game on July 19, Saturday.
A “Tall Task” Against the Tall Ferns of New Zealand
In the Classification Phase of the tournament, the Philippines faced the Tall Ferns of New Zealand for their final game.
After falling behind by as many as 16 points early in the second quarter, the Filipinas mounted an impressive comeback, highlighted by a 68–65 lead midway through the fourth period. Khate Castillo drilled a triple that gave Gilas a five-point cushion, but their momentum quickly unraveled as the Tall Ferns responded with a crucial 11-0 run to take a 76–68 advantage with just over two minutes remaining.
New Zealand capitalized on their size advantage and late-game composure, getting key contributions from Rebecca Pizzey at the line and baskets from Emilia Shearer, McKenna Dale, and Esra McGoldrick. Gilas struggled to convert down the stretch and were dealt a further blow when Sumayah Sugapong fouled out during their final push. A late basket from Jack Animam trimmed the deficit to seven, but the Tall Ferns held on to claim fifth place.
FINAL SCORE: 78-71
Here are the players who had key contributions despite the loss:
- Vanessa De Jesus – 16 points (2-of-3 from 3-point area), 4 rebounds and 4 assists
- Khate Castillo – 14 points, a rebound and an assist
- Naomi Panganiban – 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
- Sumayah Sugapong – 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
- Jack Animam – 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 4 blocks
- Kent Pastrana – 5 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a block
- Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa – 3 points, 4 rebounds, an assists, a steal, 6 blocks
- Angelica Surada – 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and a block
#WeBelong in the Record Books
Despite the loss, Gilas still went out and carved their names in the history books of FIBA.
This marks the team’s second consecutive sixth-place finish, having reached the same spot in the 2023 edition held in Sydney. The Philippines also secured a spot in the pre-qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
And to top it all, their lone victory against Lebanon also guaranteed the Philippines’ place in Division A which is an important achievement ahead of their hosting of the 2027 Asia Cup.
Prior to this game, the Philippines got crushed by Australia in their first game, 115-39. They then failed to make a successful comeback against Japan, 85-82. Won a crucial and nail biting game against Lebanon, 73-70. But they lost in their Semifinals match against South Korea, 104-71.
