Gilas Women crash out of FIBA Asia Cup contention after loss to Korea

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Already assured of a ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas Women fall short against Korea in their bid for a semifinal spot in the FIBA Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas Women fell short of advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup after falling to South Korea in the quarterfinal round, 104-71, at the Shenzhen Sports Center in Shenzhen, China, on Friday, July 18.

The Filipinas failed to build on the momentum of their historic win against Lebanon on Wednesday, July 16, where they earned a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history due to an assured top-six finish in the eight-team Division A field.

With the loss, Gilas Women got relegated to the classification match for fifth and sixth against New Zealand on Saturday, July 19, as they try to surpass their sixth-place finish in the previous Women’s Asia Cup in 2023. 

The Philippines had no answers for Korea’s Haeran Lee and Yoolim Kang as the duo combined for 45 points in the dominant win. 

Lee erupted for 24 points on an ultra-efficient 10-of-13 shooting, while Kang fired 21 markers built on six long bombs, with five of those coming in the first half.

Meanwhile, Naomi Panganiban carried the fight for Gilas Women with 19 points, while Vanessa de Jesus supplied 15. Both Panganiban and De Jesus shot 6-of-14 from the field. 

Louna Ozar and Kacey dela Rosa added 10 points each for the Pat Aquino-mentored Filipinas as Korea’s swarming defense held Gilas Women star Jack Animam to only 3 points and 7 rebounds after recording a double-double of 14 markers and 16 boards against Lebanon. 

Gilas Women traded baskets with Korea in the first six minutes of the contest and even held a 16-15 lead at the 4:31 mark of the opening frame off a two-pointer by Jack Animam.

However, the Philippines suddenly failed to keep in step with Korea, as the latter flipped the switch, ending the first quarter on a fiery 15-0 blast for a 30-16 advantage. 

By halftime, Korea already put the game beyond reach as it enjoyed a 29-point cushion, 59-32, after ending the second period on another furious 12-0 rally. 

The Scores

Korea 104 – Lee H. 24, Kang 21, Park Jih. 15, Park Jis. 14, Shin 9, Heo 7, Choi 6, Lee I. 6, Lee M. 6, Hong 2, An 0.

Philippines 71 – Panganiban 19, De Jesus 15, Ozar 10, Dela Rosa 10, Pastrana 8, Sugapong 4, Animam 3, Surada 2, Villanueva 0. 

Quarters: 30-16, 59-32, 78-49, 104-71.

– Rappler.com