The Philippines broke through in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup 2026 following a pulsating 69-64 victory over New Zealand on Tuesday at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.
With the win, the team of Coach Sandy Arespacochaga clinched the third seed in Group A with a 1-2 record and will advance to the Qualification to Semi-Finals on Thursday, where they will be facing the no. 2 team in Group B in either China or Japan.
Gilas Girls came back from down nine at the half with a massive 18-4 third-quarter turnaround 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 of the match ultimately enabled the Southeast Asian side to barge into the win column.
