Gilas Women aim to salvage a win against Colombia in their final game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
With their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup hopes gone, Gilas Women now have one final chance to come away with something from their campaign in the qualifiers — an elusive win.
The Philippines heads into its final assignment against Colombia on Tuesday, March 17, still searching for a breakthrough victory after a bruising 105-74 defeat to South Korea on Sunday.
That loss officially ended Gilas Women's hopes for the World Cup.
However, there was a bright spot in the loss as Kacey Dela Rosa delivered her best performance yet in a Gilas jersey.
The two-time UAAP MVP erupted for 26 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting clip, while also collecting nine rebounds and three blocks.
But even Dela Rosa’s brilliance could not keep Gilas afloat against a South Korean side that simply caught fire from long range.
Leeseul Kang led the onslaught with 24 points, burying eight of her team’s 19 3-pointers in a shooting display that overwhelmed the Filipinas.
Gilas also struggled to find its rhythm offensively, finishing with 21 turnovers against just 16 assists.
In contrast, South Korea showcased crisp execution, assisting on 30 of its 40 made field goals.
Now sitting at 0-4, the Filipinas turn to fellow winless squad Colombia in hopes of salvaging a victory and ending their campaign on a high note.
For South Korea, the win sealed a World Cup berth alongside reigning Olympic silver medalist France (4-0), world No. 12 Germany (3-1), and reigning AfroBasket champion Nigeria (2-2).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.