Gilas Women overwhelmed by France, shift focus to Germany in World Cup qualifiers

The Philippines women’s national basketball team encountered a harsh welcome on the world stage after falling to powerhouse France women’s national basketball team, 115-66, to open their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne on Wednesday night (early Thursday morning in Manila).

Facing the reigning 2024 Summer Olympics silver medalists, the Filipinas struggled to keep pace early as France imposed its size, speed and firepower from the opening quarter.

The host nation quickly created separation and never looked back, building a commanding lead that reached as many as 51 points. France set the tone right away with a dominant first period that left the Philippines trailing, 24-9.

One of the highlights of the night came from Dominique Malonga, who showcased her athleticism with a dunk against Gilas on her way to finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Malonga, who suits up for the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association, spearheaded the balanced French attack as the team began its push to return to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after placing seventh in the 2022 tournament.

Despite the lopsided result, Gilas Women continued to battle through the final buzzer.

Sumayah Sugapong paced the Philippines with 13 points, while veteran Afril Bernardino added 12 points and a team-high six rebounds in an effort to keep the Filipinas competitive.

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Gilas Pilipinas Women opened their campaign in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament with a 115-66 loss to Olympic silver medalists France.

Sumayah Sugapong led Gilas with 13 points, while Afril Bernardino had 12 markers and Kacey Dela Rosa tallied 11. (: FIBA) |… pic.twitter.com/UhUwILsoK2

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 12, 2026

The focus now quickly shifts to their next assignment against Germany women’s national basketball team, which opened its campaign with a convincing 76-49 victory over South Korea women’s national basketball team.

Germany has already secured its place in the 2026 World Cup as tournament host but opted to compete in the qualifiers nonetheless, adding another formidable opponent for Gilas.

The Philippines is battling in a tough group that also includes Nigeria women’s national basketball team and Colombia women’s national basketball team, with only two slots available for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup set to be held in Germany.

Nigeria already holds a berth in the global tournament after ruling the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

For Gilas Women, simply reaching the qualifying stage already marked a milestone. 

The team secured its historic entry after finishing sixth in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, earning the Philippines its first-ever appearance in the World Cup qualifiers.

Now facing some of the world’s elite teams, the Filipinas aim to use the experience as they continue their pursuit of a breakthrough on the international stage.

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