Not everyone can say they’ve beaten a WNBA player in a three-point shootout — let alone Sabrina Ionescu.
Well, unless you’re Khate Castillo.
On Tuesday night, Castillo experienced a moment most athletes can only dream of — defeating Ionescu, one of the WNBA’s premier sharpshooters, in a three-point contest at the Show Her Love Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gilas Women guard, known as the ‘Splash Sister’ for her lethal accuracy from beyond the arc, nailed 19 three-pointers in the shootout. She outscored Ionescu, who tallied 16 points, and tied with fellow national team sniper Janine Pontejos.
Also competing in the side event were San Miguel guard Marcio Lassiter, the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, and La Salle sharpshooter Luisa San Juan, who finished with 13 and nine points, respectively.
“Nagulat ako kasi siyempre, ‘di ko naman ine-expect,” Castillo told Tiebreaker Times.
“Unang-una sa lahat, parang nasa tuktok na ‘yung kalaban ko eh. Nilalamig na rin ako kagabi actually, pero ‘yun. Sobrang saya ko and super honored ako na nakalaban ko siya, kahit sa three-point shootout lang,” she added with a smile.
(C) WMPBL
The former La Salle standout admitted she could hardly believe what had just unfolded. Facing one of the most impactful players in women’s basketball — and outshooting her — felt surreal for Castillo.
“Parang ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Para sa’kin ah, parang kaya ko rin pala kahit papaano makipagsabayan sa kanya. Para lang sa’kin ‘yun ah,” said Castillo.
Adding to the unforgettable experience, Ionescu took a moment to congratulate Castillo after the shootout, offering a few words of praise — a simple yet meaningful gesture that made the victory even sweeter.
“Nag-congrats lang siya, sabi niya good job daw,” Castillo shared.
“Actually, nung nakita ko siya sa dugout parang na-starstruck na ako eh. ‘Parang totoo ba ‘to? Makakakita ako ng WNBA player?’ Kasi syempre, sobrang bihira lang na may pumunta na NBA or WNBA player dito sa Philippines.”
Following her memorable win over Ionescu, Castillo has shifted her focus back to New Zealand-Bluefire’s campaign in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament.
With her confidence now soaring, the 28-year-old sharpshooter is eager to carry that momentum into the tournament, determined to help lead her team to the inaugural championship.
Just a day after one of the most unforgettable moments of her career, Castillo contributed to the Valkyries’ dominant 107-41 victory over Solar Home, bolstering their bid for one of the three quarterfinal spots in Group B.
Her newfound confidence was evident as she tallied 10 points, including two three-pointers, along with three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
“Sobrang kumpyansa na lalo. Kasi syempre, natalo mo ‘yung best of the best na shooter eh,” she said.
