Philippines' Gilas Women pulled off a 74-59 comeback victory over world No. 19 Colombia in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France, marking their first win against a non-Asian opponent.
In Lyon-Villeurbanne, France, on Tuesday, March 18, Gilas Women wrapped up their FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament campaign with a 74-59 upset over world No. 19 Colombia. After suffering heavy defeats to world No. 3 France (115-66), No. 8 Germany (113-80), No. 12 Nigeria (101-84), and No. 15 South Korea (105-74)—an average margin of 32.5 points—a fifth loss loomed as Colombia led by 10 points (36-26) and 40-33 at halftime. The Filipinas surged in the third quarter with an 18-4 run sparked by captain Afril Bernardino's 8 points, including two three-pointers, securing a 51-44 lead they never relinquished. Kacey dela Rosa starred with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Sumayah Sugapong added 21 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Head coach Patrick Aquino said, “Looking at the matchups, the height gaps, and everything that happened, obviously, we are physically outmatched by everyone,” but “[t]he girls proved that Filipinas can play basketball. Definitely, we’re up to this world-class level.” He added, “[I]t’s a journey that we’ll cherish forever. Winning the first game outside Asia, against a top-caliber team, it means a lot back home,” and noted it as a step to build the program, which has won three of the last four Southeast Asian Games and stays in Division A of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. Germany, Nigeria, France, and Korea qualified for the World Cup.
