Gilas Women punch FIBA 3×3 World Cup ticket with gritty win over Singapore

The journey didn’t end with a silver medal—it demanded one more fight. Just a week after making history in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team found itself back on the same floor in Singapore, this time with everything on the line. No podium finish, no safety net—just one last ticket to the World Cup.

And when the moment called for it, the Filipinas delivered.

Behind a commanding 21-10 victory over host Singapore at the OCBC Arena on Sunday, Gilas secured the third and final berth to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1-7—completing a rapid rise from regional contender to global qualifier.

This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement of resilience. The path to that moment had been anything but smooth. Despite topping Pool A with a split of results—including a tough 16-13 loss to Brazil—the Filipinas were forced into a crossover clash against Lithuania, where a 21-16 defeat denied them an outright World Cup slot.

That loss could have derailed their campaign. Instead, it set the stage for redemption.

Facing Singapore in a do-or-die battle for the final ticket, Gilas left no doubt this time. The game never tilted in the hosts’ favor as the Filipinas imposed their pace early and never let go.

At the center of it all was a blend of experience and youth.

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𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀’ 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽

The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women showcased unwavering grit and composure, pulling off a crucial do-or-die victory over host Singapore to secure its spot in the FIBA3x3 World Cup Poland 2026 this June. pic.twitter.com/ywxpXW7K9N

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) April 13, 2026

Afril Bernardino once again proved why she remains the heartbeat of the team, delivering crucial plays that steadied the group in high-pressure moments. Alongside her, Kacey Dela Rosa controlled the interior, turning the paint into a consistent source of advantage.

For Bernardino, the moment carried deeper meaning. “I can’t imagine I’m still here playing,” she said. “But I don’t feel old because they gave me a chance to play with these young players.”

That connection between generations defined this run. Mikka Cacho added four points in the win, even after briefly exiting due to a left knee scare before returning to finish the game—a reflection of the team’s refusal to back down. Reynalyn Ferrer rounded out the lineup, each player embracing their role in a performance built on collective effort.

The victory also completed a sweep of Singapore in the tournament, following a tight 21-19 win in pool play a day earlier.

More importantly, it marked the Philippines’ return to the 3×3 World Cup for the first time since hosting the event in 2018—a team where Bernardino was also a key figure.

From that squad, she is now the lone holdover. What has changed is everything around her—the teammates, the journey, the expectations.

What hasn’t is the fight. In the span of a week, Gilas Women transformed a historic silver medal finish into something even bigger: a chance to compete against the world’s best once more.

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