16-07-2025
Gilas Pilipinas Women hold off Lebanon for first win in FIBA Asia Cup
Gilas Pilipinas squandered a double-digit lead, but showed poise in the endgame to gut out a 73-70 win against Lebanon in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup on Wednesday in China.
The Filipinas thus barged into the win column of the continental tournament with a 1-2 card while Lebanon ended the group stage winless at 0-3.
More importantly, the Philippines will remain in Division A while Lebanon will take on the last-seeded team in the other group in the battle for seventh place, where the loser will be relegated to Division B.
The Philippines has also secured a spot in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments as it is already assured to finish within the top six of the ongoing Asia Cup.
Jack Animam picked up where she left off, detonating for a huge double-double effort of 14 points and 16 rebounds to go with five assists and three steals while young gun Naomi Panganiban top-scored with 15 markers laced with four boards, three dimes, and one steal.
Gilas started off hot with Animam completing a three-point play that brought the Filipinas to a 29-12 lead at the end of the opening frame, but Lebanon put on a huge second quarter barrage that sliced Gilas' lead to just four at the break, 41-37.
Lebanon continued to lean on Jillian Archer and Rebcca Akl in the third as they regained a slim 57-55 cushion before heading to the crucial fourth period.
Gilas then proved it is not a one-woman show with the likes of Sumayah Sugapong, Vanessa de Jesus, and Kacey Dela Rosa sparking a 6-0 run to open the payoff period.
Animam scored back-to-back baskets before Dela Rosa completed a layup off an offensive rebound and assist from Panganiban, 67-62. Lebanon responded with two quick points, but Gilas turned to Dela Rosa and Sugapong anew as the two created a 71-66 separation in the final 1:50.
Dela Rosa would foul out and Lebanon took advantage of it, sinking four straight free throws to trim their deficit to just a point with 29 ticks left to play, 71-70.
Panganiban showed composure at the stripe, calmly knocking down the game-winning freebies as Gilas kept its title contention alive.
Gilas will next take on the second-seeded team in Group A on Friday, where the winner will earn a semifinals berth.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
