Gilas Pilipinas Women couldn’t make the plays late as they fell victim to the higher-ranked New Zealand Tall Ferns in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup.
Gilas Pilipinas squandered a fourth quarter lead as they bowed to the New Zealand Tall Ferns, 78-71, in their final match at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, settling for sixth place in the tournament in Shenzhen, China on Saturday.
After clawing back from a double-digit deficit during the first half, 18-31, Gilas just couldn’t get their shots to fall in the final few minutes of the match even as they seized a five-point lead early in the last quarter.
Khate Castillo drilled a three-pointer that put the Philippines ahead, 66-61, against the world no. 26 Tall Ferns but then relinquished a 15-2 run that flipped the script for New Zealand, 76-68, with two minutes and change to go.
Despite Gilas’ best efforts, the lead proved insurmountable as the clock ticked and New Zealand hung on for the victory.
Four different Gilas players finished in double-digit scoring in the near upset over the higher-ranked Tall Ferns that would’ve given Gilas their best finish in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup since 1984, when they ended up fourth also in China.
Vanessa de Jesus topscored with 16 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists.
Castillo added 14 points built on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc as Sumayah Sugapong added 11 points. Naomi Panganiban was the other player in double-digit scoring with an identical 11-point outing.
Jack Animam was an all-around player for Gilas, finishing with nine points, eight rebounds, and four assists to go along with four steals and four blocked shots.
Esra McGoldrick paced New Zealand in the victory with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.