Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered a heartbreaking loss in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Pre-qualifiers.
The Philippines endured a narrow 74-77 defeat against world No. 8 Brazil on Monday evening (Manila time) at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
With the game tied at 74-all and just 20 seconds remaining, Aline Moura split her free throws to give Brazil a one-point lead.
After a timeout, Khate Castillo had a clean look from the corner but missed her three-point attempt.
It took some time for the Philippines to commit a foul, eventually sending Caca Martins to the free-throw line with just 1.8 seconds left. The 5-foot-9 Brazilian calmly sank both free throws.
Castillo had one last attempt from deep but was unable to connect.
Jack Animam delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, along with 21 rebounds and four blocks.
Despite her stellar play, though, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Gilas Women fought valiantly throughout the entire 40-minute contest, which featured nine lead changes.
The Philippines even held a 69-68 advantage with five minutes remaining after a Naomi Panganiban three-pointer.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Afril Bernardino supported Animam with 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two assists, while 18-year-old San Diego State guard Panganiban contributed 13 points.
Khate Castillo and Stef Berberabe added nine points each.
Gilas Women shot themselves in the foot, going just 10-of-19 from the foul stripe.
Six-foot-two forward Leticia Soares led Brazil with 15 points before fouling out late in the game.
Emanuely De Oliveira (13 points), Maria Albiero (12), and Martins (11) stepped up for Brazil in the closing moments.
In the other Group C game, Senegal narrowly defeated Hungary 63-61 to share the lead with Brazil.
The Philippines will next face Hungary on Tuesday at 11:00 PM. The top two teams in the pool will advance to the semifinals.
The Scores
Philippines 74 – Animam 18, Bernardino 14, Panganiban 13, Castillo 9, Berberabe 9, Pontejos 6, Dela Rosa 5, Fajardo 0, Yumul 0, Ozar 0, Nolasco 0.
Brazil 77 – Soares 15, De Oliveira 13, Albiero 12, Martins 11, Gonzalo 7, D’Arrigo 6, Silva 6, Moura 3, Pereira 2, Zabani 2, Guimaraes 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 39-40, 57-60, 74-77.
