Kacey dela Rosa’s herculean effort was not enough to lift Gilas Pilipinas Women into the FIBA World Cup 2026 just yet.
The Philippines’ comeback bid fell short as they bowed to Lithuania, 21–19 (9:54.3), on Sunday at OCBC Square in Kallang, Singapore.
With the loss, Gilas Women will face Singapore for the last World Cup ticket.
Singapore earlier lost to Hungary, 21–13 (9:11.9), while Gilas had already beaten the hosts in the group phase, 21–19 (9:39).
The knockout match between the Southeast Asian sides is set at 8 p.m.
It was a hard-fought battle for the Filipinas, but fouls proved costly in the endgame.
Down 0–5 early, Kacey dela Rosa and Afril Bernardino sparked the Philippine comeback, cutting the deficit to one, 11–12, midway through the game.
Kamile Nacickaite knocked down a deuce to stop Lithuania’s momentum, but dela Rosa answered right back inside.
However, with 2:45 left, Gilas was called for its 10th foul.
Gabriele Sulske drew the foul on dela Rosa, converting an and-one while also regaining possession for Lithuania.
With Gilas’ defense no longer as physical, Lithuania capitalized and pulled ahead, 19–16, late before sealing the win with 5.8 seconds remaining.
Dela Rosa finished with nine points for Gilas, while Tantoy Ferrer added three. Mikka Cacho and Bernardino were held to two points apiece.
Nacickaite led all scorers with 11 points.
