Gilas girls down Kiwi counterparts

Gilas Pilipinas Women finally snapped its two-game losing streak with a 69-64 victory over New Zealand in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup at the Karisma Arena on Tuesday in Seremban, Malaysia

The victory gave the Philippines a 1-2 win-loss record and secured a spot in the knockout stage, where it will face the loser between China and Japan on Thursday.

It was also the squad’s first Asia Cup win under head coach Sandy Arespacochaga, who took over from Julie Amos last May.

Rhiane Perez delivered the biggest play of the game, scoring on a layup off a foul with 49.8 seconds left to give Gilas Women a 65-64 lead it would not relinquish.

Zaydhen Rosano and Grace Curley then came through with key defensive stops and free throws in the final 24 seconds as the Philippines held on for its first-ever Division A victory.

Rosano led the way with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Perez added 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and a block as Gilas Women rallied from a 39-30 halftime deficit.

Keija Miringaorangi led New Zealand with 17 points, but the Kiwis finished winless at 0-3 and were relegated to the classification round.

Gilas Women will take a one-day break before shifting their focus to the knockout stage, where they will need another upset to reach the semifinals.

The stakes are high, with only the four semifinalists earning berths in the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China.