The Gilas Pilipinas Women aim for a historic semifinals berth as they take on world no. 13 South Korea in the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas Women take the court once again Friday night, July 18, against familiar foe South Korea in the qualification round to the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.
Fresh from a breakthrough 73-70 triumph over Lebanon, Gilas secured a third-place finish in Group B with a 1-2 record and booked its first-ever ticket to the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. But head coach Pat Aquino and his squad are not done dreaming.
Standing in the way is powerhouse South Korea, the very same team that has dealt heartbreak to Gilas on multiple occasions in the past year, including stinging losses in the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup, the Hangzhou Asian Games, and the recent 2025 William Jones Cup.
South Korea, ranked no. 13 in the world, finished second in Group A behind unbeaten China (3-0) after a gritty 78-76 victory over world no. 3 New Zealand to enter this do-or-die match at 2-1.
For Gilas, it will take another inspired performance to finally break through against their long-time tormentors.
Jack Animam, who shone with a double-double against Lebanon and earned Player of the Game honors, is expected to lead the charge along with Duke University standout Vanessa de Jesus.
[ALSO READ: Vanessa de Jesus proud of Gilas Women’s ‘Puso’ in gutsy Asia Cup win over Lebanon]
But Gilas’ X-factors may come in the form of rising stars Sumayah Sugapong and Naomi Panganiban. Sugapong’s relentless energy and Panganiban’s clutch poise were instrumental in the win over Lebanon, and they’ll need to deliver again under the pressure of Korea’s disciplined and physical system.
A win by the Philippines would not only send shockwaves across the tournament but also set up a semifinal showdown and rematch with world no. 2 Australia.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. (Manila time) as Gilas Women look to achieve a feat never before achieved by the national women's team.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Gilas Pilipinas Women at 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup]
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]