Gilas Pilipinas Women settled for ninth place in the Sabail stop of the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series on Saturday in Azerbaijan.
The team, composed of Afril Bernardino, Hazelle Yam, Kaye Pingol, and Sam Harada, suffered a heartbreaking 18-17 overtime loss to Czechia before falling to host Azerbaijan, 21-14, in pool play.
With this result, Gilas Women — who skipped the last three legs in Sumgait, Edmonton, and Bordeaux — now hold the No. 14 spot in the world rankings with 193 points.
Only one leg remains, in Debrecen next week, but the Philippines will not be participating.
Only the top eight teams in the world will make it to the Shanghai final.
For this stop, Gilas fielded a new lineup: Bernardino replaced Lexi Pana (currently suiting up for Pilipinas Aguilas in the Pilipinas United 3×3 League); Yam took the place of Discovery Perlas’ Tantoy Ferrer; and Harada stepped in for Mikka Cacho.
Against Czechia, Harada forced overtime with a clutch two-pointer.
Kateřina Galíčková struck first in the extra period, but Bernardino quickly answered.
However, a crucial free throw from Eliška Hálová sealed the win for Czechia.
In the match against Azerbaijan, the Filipinas kept pace with the home squad for most of the game.
They were tied at 13-all late, but foul trouble opened the door for Arica Carter, Dina Ulyanova, and Alexandra Mollenhauer to create separation.
Mollenhauer hit the dagger basket with 15 seconds left.
Harada led the Philippines with five points against Czechia, while Yam, Pingol, and Bernardino each chipped in four.
Bernardino then tallied six points in the loss to Azerbaijan.
