Gilas Women end World Cup Qualifiers stint in big way, stun Colombia

Sports

GILAS Pilipinas Women made sure there will be no winless campaign in their first appearance in the world stage, ending their stint in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 with a 74-59 stunning of Colombia on Tuesday, March 17.

Ranked No. 39 in the world, Gilas came into the match winless, losing their first four games by an average of 32.5 points.

Gilas first lost to world No. 3 France, 66-115, and suffered another blowout defeat in their second assignment against No. 12, Germany, 80-113. The Nationals then succumbed to No. 8 Nigeria, 84-101, before falling again against No. 15 South Korea, 74-105.

Ranged against Colombia, which is ranked No. 19 in the world, the Nationals looked headed for another defeat when it fell behind, 26-36, early in the match.

Colombia took a 40-33 lead at the bend before Gilas turned things around in the third quarter where it zoomed ahead, 51-44, behind a scorching 18-4 run.

Team captain Afril Bernardino sparked that pivotal Gilas run by scoring eigth points anchored on two triples. The Nationals didn’t look from that point on, sealing their first-ever win against a non-Asian opponent.

Kacey dela Rosa turned in a monster performance to lead Gilas, finishing with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and five blocks. Sumayah Sugapong backed Dela Rosa with 21 points, three assists, and two steals.(CCM)