Gilas Pilipinas Women make history by qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

The Philippine women’s national basketball team has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years and made history in the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup by achieving a landmark milestone.

The Gilas Pilipinas Women defeated Lebanon 73–70 in a Division A clash on Wednesday, July 16, in Shenzhen, China. The victory secured their spot in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup — the first time in the country’s basketball history.

Gilas head coach Pat Aquino praised the efforts of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) over the past decade, saying that all the hard work is finally paying off.

“I want to say thank you for this wonderful game that we had. I want to thank the federation (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), our MVP, president Al Panlilio, our executive director Erika Dy for supporting us here. I’m just proud of the girls. I’m happy for the girls. I’m happy for the federation — happy for women’s basketball in the Philippines,” Aquino said during the post-match press conference.

“I think this win represents everything we’ve been working hard for over the last 10 years or so. We’re glad not only to be competing, but to stay in Division A. We still have more to improve, and we hope to level up again soon,” he added.

FUELED BY THEIR FLAG

The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball Team punched their ticket to the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers following a hard-fought victory over Lebanon earlier today, 73-70.

After suffering consecutive defeats to open the tournament, Gilas Pilipinas bounced… pic.twitter.com/IjkQtGMxDi

— The GUIDON Sports (@TheGUIDONSports) July 16, 2025

While it was a collective effort that helped Gilas beat Lebanon, Jack Animam stood out as the Player of the Game, finishing with 14 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. She received strong support from Naomi Panganiban, who top-scored with 15 points, and Vanessa de Jesus, who added 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

“I think this was a really good game for us. It was a huge team effort. I’m just proud of everybody — from the bench to the starters, and the staff. At the end of the day, it really showed our puso,” said De Jesus.

The Gilas Pilipinas Women now have the chance to continue making history as they face South Korea for a spot in the semifinals. De Jesus is confident that her team can keep surprising people.

“No matter what, if we play together and continue to fight — no matter the score — we can beat anybody and compete with anybody. I’m just really proud of this group. All the hard work is starting to pay off, and I think we’ll keep surprising people,” she concluded.

Gilas Pilipinas Women will face South Korea on Friday, July 18.

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