Manila, Philippines – As the Gilas Women had a thriller game against World no. 9 Japan, the national team still has some momentum and spark left.
Gilas locked in and made sure the team claimed this victory: whoever wins the game will earn the third spot of Group B, and shall secure its ticket to the 2025 FIBA Women’s Cup qualifiers.
The Philippines started strong, having a large point-differential to end the first quarter — 29-12. Lebanon trimmed and even managed to take the lead by two points at the start of the final quarter.
Jillian Archer was in the free-throw line to give their team a chance to tie the game, yet she only made her first free-throw, which the unfortunate miss at the charity stripe led to the Gilas grabbing the ball and eventually getting fouled.
Naomi Panganiban, the unsung hero, showed her confidence in crucial moments as she hit both free-throws and gave Gilas a three-point lead.
Lebanon did not manage to have any breathing room in those remaining seconds, Zena Ramiz Elias airballed her midrange shot and sealed the Philippines’ victory.
Panganiban was the leading scorer of the game — with 15 points, and her crucial two free-throw makes.
Jack Aninam had an outstanding game, including her attacks on the paint — which led to her contribution of 14 points with 16 boards.
Sumayah Sugapong (14), Vanessa De Jesus (13), Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa (10) helped the team on this win as well. The final score of the game — 73-70.
They are now 1-2 and about to face the second placer of Group A in the quarterfinals — China, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia. –Kyle Basa, Contributor