Gilas Pilipinas Women put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short against New Zealand, 71-78, to settle for sixth place in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Saturday at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.
This marks the second straight sixth-place finish for the Philippines, having achieved the same result in the 2023 edition held in Sydney.
After falling behind by as much as 16 points early in the second quarter, the Filipinas mounted a spirited comeback, even seizing a 68-65 lead midway through the final frame. But the Tall Ferns’ inside presence proved too much to overcome.
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Clutch free throws from Rebecca Pizzey, followed by key baskets from Emilia Shearer, McKenna Dale, and Esra McGoldrick, helped New Zealand regain control and pull ahead, 76-68, with under two minutes remaining.
The momentum shifted for good when Sumayah Sugapong fouled out during Gilas’ final rally, leaving the team with few options to respond.
McGoldrick paced New Zealand with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Shearer chipped in 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas Women can hold their heads high, having secured their Division A status and qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.
“Hopefully, we can have Vanessa [De Jesus] and the rest of the team back in the next cycle,” said head coach Patrick Aquino. “We’re happy to still be competing at this level and will keep working to get better.”
De Jesus led the Philippines with 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Khate Castillo, who ignited the rally in the second half, finished with 14 points, all from beyond the arc.
“She’s incredible—very consistent and a great leader for the girls. She can do a lot more for this team and probably elevate us to another level,” Aquino said of De Jesus.
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Sugapong and Naomi Panganiban also contributed 10 points apiece.
In the group phase, Gilas fell to powerhouse Australia (115-39) and narrowly lost to Japan (85-82) before surviving the relegation match with a gritty 73-70 victory over Lebanon. They later bowed to South Korea in the qualification to semifinals, 104-71.
With their Asia Cup campaign behind them, the Filipinas now set their sights on the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers and the Philippines’ hosting of the 2027 Asia Cup.
The Scores:
Philippines 71 – De Jesus 16, Castillo 14, Panganiban 11, Sugapong 11, Animam 9, Pastrana 5, Dela Rosa 3.
New Zealand 78 – McGoldrick 17, Sheerer 16, Dale 11, Dalton 6, Pizzey 6, Whittaker 6, Tofaeono 6, Flavell 0, Hokianga 0.
Quarterscores: 13-19, 38-42, 56-53, 71-78.
