Gilas Girls brace for towering test vs China in FIBA U16 Asia Cup quarters

Fresh off a dramatic win over Korea, Gilas Pilipinas Girls now face an even bigger challenge — literally and figuratively — as they go up against China in the Qualification to the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup on Friday, September 26, at the Karisma Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

The matchup was set after China locked in the No. 2 spot in Group B with a 2-1 record, punctuated by a commanding 93-27 rout of Syria. 

The Chinese are led by scoring machine Yuanshan Li, who paces the entire tournament with 20.3 points per game.

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BIRTHDAY GAME-WINNER! 🇵🇭🚨

Tiffany Reyes buried the game-winning basket to save the day for Gilas Pilipinas Girls against South Korea, 77-75, in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup on Wednesday at the Arena Seremban in Malaysia.

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— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) September 24, 2025

The Philippines, meanwhile, grabbed third place in Group A at 1-2, highlighted by Tiffany Reyes’ game-winning jumper that secured a thrilling 77-75 triumph over Korea — their first-ever victory in Division A.

But Coach Julie Amos and her young squad will have little time to celebrate. “The Great Wall” of China awaits, and history hasn’t been kind. 

The Chinese have won both of their past encounters with the Philippines, including lopsided victories in 2009 and 2011.

China, a three-time champion, is also eager to end its medal drought after last finishing on the podium with a bronze in 2017. Since then, the powerhouse has slipped, including a sixth-place finish in 2023 — something Coach Li Jianxin and company are determined to change this year.

For Gilas Girls, the challenge is monumental. But their breakthrough against Korea has already proven that the once-unthinkable is now possible.

 With a spot in the semifinals and a ticket to the 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup on the line, the Filipinas are determined to test their grit once more against Asia’s giants.

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