The Philippines’ wait for a breakthrough in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 came to an end following a come-from-behind 69-64 victory over New Zealand on Tuesday at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.
Gilas Girls raced from down nine at the half with a massive 20-4 third-quarter turnaround to take a 50-43 lead entering the final frame, before showing poise down the stretch en route to nailing their first-ever win in Division A.
Rhiane Perez came through with the go-ahead layup off a foul for the 65-64 lead with 49.8 seconds left, and key stops plus free throws courtesy of Zaydhen Rosano and Grace Curley in the final 24.0 seconds sealed the hard-earned victory.
(C) FIBA
With this, Coach Sandy Arespacochaga & Co. finished third in Group A with a 1-2 record and are headed to the Qualification to Semi-Finals set on Thursday, where they will be facing the No. 2 team in Group B in either China or Japan.
National University standout Rosano top-scored for the Philippines with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor and 7 rebounds.
Perez submitted 13 points, 6 rebounds, an assist, a pair of steals, and a block, as they bannered the fightback from down 39-30 at the half.
The tandem led the 11-0 start to the third toward a 41-39 lead, setting the tone for their massive assault in the period that swung momentum in their favor.
Gilas Youth would even lead by as many as nine, 52-43, behind Curley to open the fourth, before the Junior Tall Ferns staged a comeback of their own.
The team from Oceania even regained the lead at 64-63 with 55.4 seconds remaining after Keija Miringaorangi’s perfect trip to the foul line, but it proved to be their last stand as Perez and the Philippines finished much stronger.
Miringaorangi led New Zealand with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Madelin Eliadis made 14 points, while Gia Vukona added 10 points for a team that fell to 0-3.
The Junior Tall Ferns finished dead last in Group A and will face the fourth-ranked team in Group B in the relegation game on Thursday as well. The losing team will be demoted to Division B come the next U18 Women’s Asia Cup.
