Korea ends Gilas Women’s World Cup bid despite Kacey Dela Rosa’s breakout performance

The Philippines’ bid to reach the global stage fell short after Gilas Pilipinas Women ran into a red-hot South Korea women’s national basketball team squad that dominated from beyond the arc, claiming a 105–74 victory at the Astroballe in Lyon-Villeurbanne.

With a ticket to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin on the line, the Koreans relied on relentless perimeter shooting to take control early and never looked back. 

Despite the loss, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a standout performance for the Philippines.

The multiple-time UAAP MVP finished with 26 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting clip, while also collecting nine rebounds and three blocks.

It marked her best showing yet in a FIBA-sanctioned game, providing a bright spot for the national team in an otherwise difficult outing.

However, South Korea drained 19 three-pointers in the contest, turning what began as a competitive matchup into a showcase of long-range accuracy.

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Dela Rosa spin cycle is on #FIBAWWC x #WeOwnTheGame pic.twitter.com/ceKjmfx9Qx

— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) March 15, 2026

The victory secured South Korea’s passage to the World Cup with a 3–1 record in Tournament D. Host nation France women’s national basketball team also advanced after improving to 3–0 and was set to face Nigeria women’s national basketball team as of publishing time.

Aside from Dela Rosa’s offensive burst, Janine Pontejos was the only other Gilas player to reach double digits, contributing 13 points. 

Kent Pastrana finished with eight points on 2-of-11 shooting, while Sumayah Sugapong added six points and Afril Bernardino struggled from the field, scoring two points.

Philippines have 74 points with team effort as Dela Rosa delivered 26, whil Pontejos 13, Pastrana 8, Berberabe 7, Sugapong 6, Ozar 4, Dignadice 4, Heyn 2, Surada 2, and Bernardino 2. With Quarterscores, 28-17, 55-33, 80-50, 105-74.

While the result ended the Philippines’ World Cup hopes, Dela Rosa’s performance not only showcased her scoring ability but also her leadership on the court. She consistently looked to create opportunities for her teammates, crashing the boards, contesting shots, and orchestrating plays even under relentless pressure from the Koreans. 

Her poise and confidence highlighted the emerging talent within the program, suggesting that Gilas Pilipinas Women’s future on the international stage remains promising despite the setback.

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