The Filipinas clinched their spot following a hard-fought 73-70 victory over Lebanon in their group phase matchup at the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China. Courtesy: One Sports
GILAS Pilipinas Women have achieved a historic milestone, securing their first-ever qualification for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournaments.
The Filipinas clinched their spot following a hard-fought 73-70 victory over Lebanon in their group phase matchup at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China.
This win not only propelled them to the quarterfinal round of the Asia Cup but also guaranteed a top-six finish, securing automatic entry into the World Cup qualifiers. Head coach Pat Aquino expressed his elation, stating that the victory represents years of dedication and hard work, adding, “This win represents everything that we’ve been working hard for in the last 10 years or so.” \
The team also avoided relegation to Division B, a testament to their improved performance and competitiveness on the international stage.
The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. Five Gilas players scored in double figures, led by Naomi Panganiban’s 15 points, including two crucial free throws in the final seconds.
The game remained tense until the very end, with Lebanon mounting a late comeback. However, Panganiban’s clutch free throws sealed the victory for the Philippines, securing their place in the World Cup qualifiers and marking a significant moment for women’s basketball in the country.
The Filipinas’ success reflects the growth and development of women’s basketball in the Philippines and promises exciting prospects for the future. Their performance in the Asia Cup has generated considerable excitement and anticipation for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
