Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed a tough 66–115 defeat at the hands of host France women’s national basketball team, also known as Les Bleus, to open their FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament – Lyon Villeurbanne campaign at Astroballe on Thursday morning (Manila time).
The Philippines joined South Korea, which lost to Germany, 49–76, and Colombia, which fell to Nigeria, 37–70, as 0–1 teams to start the tournament.
Germany and Nigeria have already secured their spots in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin.
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Against the world No. 3 French squad, Gilas fell behind early, trailing 19–4 as the hosts’ overwhelming size and physicality proved difficult to contain.
France dominated the boards, 49–25, while shooting an efficient 67.3 percent from inside the arc and knocking down 10 of 24 attempts from three-point range.
In contrast, the Philippines managed just 36.9 percent shooting from the field.
Les Bleus’ lead ballooned to as much as 51 points during the contest.
Despite the lopsided result, Gilas had three players score in double figures.
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Sumayah Sugapong led the way with 13 points on 14 attempts, while Afril Bernardino added 12 points and six rebounds before fouling out. Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in 11 points, four rebounds, and one assist.
The Philippines will look to bounce back when it faces Germany at 12 a.m. on Friday (Manila time).
For France, Dominique Malonga paced the team with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Alexia Chery scored 16 points in just 11 minutes off the bench.
Janelle Salaun added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Migna Toure finished with 14 points.
The Scores:
France 115 – Malonga 21, Chery 16, Toure 14, Salaun 13, Ayayi 11, Johannes 10, Gueye 9, Badiane 8, Lacan 7, Williams 6, Bernies 0, Astier 0.
Philippines 66 – Sugapong 13, Bernardino 12, Dela Rosa 11, Pontejos 8, Ozar 7, Berberabe 6, Dignadice 3, Pingol 2, Heyn 2, Pastrana 0, Guytingco 0.
Quarterscores: 24-9, 53-26, 86-38, 115-66.
