Gilas Pilipinas Women has advanced to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers after defeating Lebanon, 73-70, in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China on Wednesday, July 16. With this, they have also advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament and are certain to be in the top 6.
This is the first time Gilas Women has a chance to qualify for the FIBA World Cup. According to head coach Pat Aquino, this is the result of more than ten years of hard work. “We are not just competing, we also want to level up,” he added.
Five players from Gilas scored in double digits, led by Naomi Panganiban with 15 points. She also sank two crucial free throws in the final 8.3 seconds to ensure the Philippines would win.
Sumayah Sugapong also made a big play as she extended the lead to 71-66 at the 2:18 mark. However, Lebanon recovered and nearly tied the game. Fortunately, Panganiban remained calm at the free throw line.
In the end, Lebanon did not make a three-point shot before the clock ran out, so Gilas won. Aside from advancing to the quarterfinals, the Philippines also avoided relegation to Division B.
