Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to Chile before being overpowered by the USA, 21-14 (8:48), as they opened their FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup 2025 campaign on Thursday in Xiong’an, China.
The quartet of Kacey Dela Rosa, Tin Cayabyab, Cheska Apag, and Elaine Etang dropped to 0-2 and will need to win their remaining games against Mexico and Spain on Saturday to keep their hopes alive for one of the two quarterfinal spots in their pool.
Against Chile, the Philippines battled back from a 13-7 deficit, tying the game at 17-all with 14 seconds left thanks to back-to-back baskets from Apag and Dela Rosa.
However, already in the penalty, Gilas committed a foul on Catalina Ramirez with six seconds remaining, allowing her to sink both free throws and hand Chile the win.
The USA proved too much for the Philippines in the second game, with Serena Sundell and Zee Spearman leading the Americans with seven points.
Etang paced Gilas with six points, while Dela Rosa added five.
Fernanda Ovalle scored 10 points in Chile’s win.
USA currently tops the pool with a 2-0 record, having also beaten Mexico, 19-11, earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Spain routed Chile, 21-6.
Mexico and Spain were set to face off at the time of publishing.
The Scores:
Game 1
Chile 19 – Ovalle 10, Ramirez 5, Ojeda 4, Aguila 0.
Philippines 17 – Dela Rosa 6, Apag 5, Cayabyab 3, Etang 3.
Game 2
USA 21 – Sundell 7, Spearman 7, Bigby 5, L’Amoreaux 2.
Philippines 14 – Etang 6, Dela Rosa 5, Apag 3, Cayabyab 0.
