Gilas Women show grit but drop opening day games to Chile, USA in U23 3×3 World Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Women found themselves tested early in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup 2025, suffering two tough defeats on Thursday in Xiong’an, China, that underscored both their resilience and the unforgiving pace of the format.

The Philippines opened their campaign with a nail-biter against Chile, nearly pulling off a comeback from a six-point hole. 

Trailing 13-7, Gilas clawed back through the efforts of Cheska Apag and Kacey Dela Rosa, who tied the game at 17-all with 14 seconds left.

 But with the team already in penalty, a late foul proved costly. Catalina Ramirez coolly sank both free throws with six seconds remaining to seal a 19-17 heartbreaker for Chile.

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Kacey dela Rosa does make it in time to officially complete the quartet for @officialSBPinc / @officialsbp3x3 pic.twitter.com/92AtQhr05w

— PHSports LiveScores (@LiveScoresPH) September 17, 2025

The Filipinas regrouped for their second game, but powerhouse USA showed why they are perennial favorites in the discipline.

 Serena Sundell and Zee Spearman combined for 14 points to carry the Americans to a 21-14 win with 1:12 still left on the clock. Elaine Etang provided a spark for Gilas with six points, while Dela Rosa chipped in five, but the depth and physicality of the U.S. proved decisive.

Fernanda Ovalle’s 10 points in the opener highlighted Chile’s victory, while USA remained undefeated at 2-0 after earlier dispatching Mexico, 19-11.

The losses dropped the Philippine squad — composed of Dela Rosa, Tin Cayabyab, Apag, and Etang — to 0-2 in pool play. Their path to the quarterfinals is now narrow, with must-win games looming against Mexico and Spain on Saturday. 

Only the top two teams in the group advance.

While the opening day closed without a win, the fightback against Chile and flashes of promise against the USA suggest that Gilas has the tools to compete — if they can string together a complete performance when it matters most. 

Game 1

Chile 19 – Ovalle 10, Ramirez 5, Ojeda 4, Aguila 0.

Philippines 17 – Dela Rosa 6, Apag 5, Cayabyab 3, Etang 3.

Game 2

USA 21 – Sundell 7, Spearman 7, Bigby 5,  L’Amoreaux 2.

Philippines 14 – Etang 6, Dela Rosa 5, Apag 3, Cayabyab 0.

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