In their first-ever game outside the borders of FIBA Asia, Gilas Pilipinas Women pushed the world no. 8 Brazilians to the absolute limit.
In was a gallant stand, but Gilas Pilipinas Women ultimately fall short to Brazil to start the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda.
The Philippines had several chances to score a sensational stunner, but the Nationals took a sorry 77-74 loss to Brazil Monday (Philippine time).
In their first-ever game outside the borders of FIBA Asia, Gilas Women pushed the world no. 8 Brazilians to the absolute limit, having the opportunity to take the lead down one with 20 seconds to go.
However, Khate Castillo missed a wide open corner three that would have put the Philippines up 77-75.
Forced to foul, Gilas Women sent Caca Martins to the line, where the Brazilian guard made both shots to seal the final tally.
Before the Castillo attempt, Gilas Women had multiple cracks to regain the lead inside the final 90 seconds, but Naomi Panganiban and Afril Bernardino went a combined 1/4 from the line, which only forced a 74-all tie.
As a whole team, the Philippines only shot 10/19 from the stripe.
While Brazil had their own struggles from the line, going 18/29, they proved to be steadier down the stretch to take the win.
Jack Animam had a monster game for Gilas Women despite the loss, going for 18 points and 21 rebounds.
Bernardino added 14, while Panganiban was good for 13. Despite her struggles from the field, Naomi’s fourth-quarter work was crucial for Gilas Women to make it a close finish, with her booming three with 5:09 left allowing the Philippines to regain the lead, 69-68.
Gilas Women led by as many as seven earlier in the first half.
Leticia Soares paced Brazil with 15 points, followed by Emanuely De Oliveira with 13. Martins finished with 11 points.
The Philippines will take on Hungary next on Tuesday (PH time).