Playing their third game in as many days, fatigue finally caught up with Gilas Pilipinas Women.
The Philippines faltered when it mattered most, falling 84-101 to Afrobasket champion Nigeria, dropping to 0-3 in the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne on Saturday evening (Manila time).
It was a tough loss for Gilas, leaving them with do-or-die matches against South Korea on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Colombia on Tuesday if they hope to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
South Korea, which has already recorded a win over Nigeria, still faces winless Colombia as of this report.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Against Nigeria, the Philippines started strong. Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejo, Stefanie Berberabe, and the frontline duo of Kacey Dela Rosa and Angel Surada did everything on both ends, helping Gilas build a lead that reached as high as 10 points late in the first half.
However, the team’s tired legs eventually gave way. Nigeria used its size advantage to take control, first claiming the lead after an Ifunanya Okoro basket with 2:41 left in the third quarter, finishing the frame ahead 76-72.
From there, it was all Nigeria, led by Elizabeth Balogun.
When Gilas cut the lead to 81-80, Balogun responded with a timely breakaway layup.
Murjanatu Musa, Ezinene Kalu, and Victoria Macaulay joined in the scoring, while Balogun knocked down a couple more triples to keep the Philippines at bay.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Pastrana and Pontejo scored 16 points each for Gilas, while Berberabe added 13 points and nine assists.
Louna Ozar contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Dela Rosa added eight points and seven rebounds. Surada also finished with eight points and six rebounds.
Leading scorers Sumayah Sugapong and Afril Bernardino, who had been Gilas’ top scorers prior to this game, managed only five points each, with Sugapong shooting 1-of-14 from the field.
The Philippines was also heavily outrebounded, 58-33, as Nigeria dominated inside. Macaulay led six Nigerians in double figures with 16 points, while Nicole Enabosi tallied 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Scores:
Nigeria 101 – Macaulay 16, Enabosi 15, Balogun 14, Kalu 13, Musa 10, Kunaiyi-Akpanah 10, Okoro 9, Ogoke 6, Amukamara 5, Igbokwe 3.
Philippines 84 – Pontejos 16, Pastrana 16, Berberabe 13, Ozar 11, Dela Rosa 8, Surada 8, Bernardino 5, Sugapong 5, Dignadice 2, Pingol 0, Heyn 0, Guytingco 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 42-51, 76-72, 101-84.
