Gilas Pilipinas Women star Kacey Dela Rosa in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Photo courtesy of POC Media Pool.(UPDATED) The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team advanced to the semifinals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand after dismantling Singapore, 92-59, on Sunday.
The Nationals stayed perfect through two games, led by Ateneo de Manila University star Kacey Dela Rosa, who posted 22 points, six rebounds, and two steals as the Philippines dominated by as much as 35 points.
“Ready lang talaga ako kung kailan ipasok,” said Dela Rosa, whose teammates Sarah Heyn, Sophia Dignadice, and Afril Bernardino added 14, 12, and 10 points, respectively.
The victory allowed the Philippines to sweep their group assignments, after also moving past Malaysia, 76-67, on Saturday in what marked a triumphant 2025 Southeast Asian Games debut.
Gilas will return to action on Thursday against a yet-to-be-determined opponent as they continue their redemption campaign in the biennial meet.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, dadaan at dadaan tayo sa butas ng karayom," said coach Patrick Aquino. "It's either Indonesia or Thailand. Both teams are very strong and both teams are contenders.
"And if we pass those teams, siyempre makukuha natin ‘yung gold," he added.
The semifinals are on Thursday, with the bronze medal and gold medal matches set the following day.
Four other players scored in double figures for Gilas Women, which scored 13 in a row to go into the half up 41-28 and never looked back.
Sarah Heyn had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists, Sophia Dignadice tallied 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals while skipper Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos added 10 points each.
Gilas opened its campaign with a come-from-behind 76-67 win over Malaysia last Saturday.