Despite falling short of their goal to qualify for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women ended their campaign on a high note.
The Philippines overcame a slow start to overpower Colombia, 74-59, closing out their FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament run with a victory Tuesday evening (Manila time) in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
Gilas Women finished with a 1-4 record after losses to France, Germany, Nigeria, and South Korea in their first four games of the tournament.
Kacey dela Rosa, the reigning UAAP Women’s Basketball MVP from Ateneo, capped her stellar tournament with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks, gaining invaluable experience on the international stage.
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Dela Rosa led Gilas Women’s comeback after trailing 40-33 at halftime.
The 6-foot center dominated the paint, limiting Colombia to just seven points in the third quarter. Then Afril Bernardino and Sumayah Sugapong supplied the offense to give the Filipinas a 51-47 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
Sugapong finished with 21 points, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, while Bernardino contributed eight points, three rebounds, and a steal.
Dela Rosa proved unstoppable in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points to seal the win for the Filipinas.
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Janine Pontejos and Stefanie Berberabe added six points each, with Berberabe also recording four rebounds and four assists.
Colombia ended the tournament without a win. Jenifer Munoz led the team with 14 points, while Manuela Riosa and Marta Moscarella added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Scores:
Philippines 74 – Dela Rosa 25, Sugapong 21, Bernardino 8, Berberabe 6, Pontejos 6, Ozar 4, Pastrana 4, Surada 0, Dignadice 0, Pingol 0, Heyn 0, Guytingco 0.
Colombia 59 – Munoz 14, Rios 11, Moscarella 10, Gonzalez 6, Caicedo 6, Paz 4, Murillo 3, Lopez 2, Martinez 0, Delgado 0.
Quarterscores: 14-14, 33-40, 51-47, 74-59.
