Kacey dela Rosa shines as Gilas Pilipinas Women close FIBA World Cup Qualifiers with victory

Despite falling short of their goal to qualify for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women ended their campaign on a high note, with Kacey dela Rosa emerging as the driving force behind their final triumph.

The reigning UAAP Women’s Basketball MVP from Ateneo showcased her dominance on the international stage, finishing the tournament with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks. 

She said facing powerhouse squads helped elevate her game and offered valuable lessons for her growth.

The forward led Gilas Women’s comeback after trailing 40-33 at halftime, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 74-59 victory over Colombia in Lyon-Villeurbanne, closing their FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament campaign on a positive note.

Dela Rosa got off to a modest start against France with 11 points and added eight points apiece in their matches against Germany and Nigeria. Her highest-scoring game came against South Korea, where she poured in 26 points despite the team’s loss.

“All of the tournaments I’ve played, I take the lesson that I think I can apply and be better and better every tournament,” Dela Rosa said.

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Gilas Filipinas gets their first win in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.

Kacey Dela Rosa led the team with a remarkable double-double performance against the Colombians.#Basketball #FIBA #GilasWomen #Gilas #GilasFilipinas

Congrats ladies pic.twitter.com/y4h4bm6xk5

— PLAYERSHOOD (@PLAYERSHOOD) March 17, 2026

Her consistent scoring helped her finish as the Philippines’ top scorer, averaging 15.6 points per game during the qualifiers. 

Dela Rosa’s leadership and presence on the court became a key factor in Gilas Women’s performance, particularly in high-pressure moments.

Looking ahead, Dela Rosa is focused on refining her game while mentoring younger teammates. 

Her experience in intense international competition has shaped her into not just a scorer but a reliable anchor for the team in upcoming tournaments such as the William Jones Cup in July and the 20th Asian Games in Japan from 19 September to 4 October.

Despite a challenging run against world-class opponents, the Philippines finished fifth in the standings with a 4–1 record, highlighting how competitive Gilas Women can be on the global stage.

Beyond her statistics, Dela Rosa’s impact in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament caught international attention. 

Her physicality and ability to secure rebounds against taller opponents, and leadership on transition plays became defining strengths for the team. These qualities underscore her evolution into a cornerstone player who will be central to Gilas Women’s future campaigns.

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