Vanessa de Jesus in action for Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. Photo from FIBA Basketball.MANILA — The Gilas Pilipinas women’s basketball team ended their 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup campaign in sixth place.
The Nationals fell short of ending their stint on a high note after they fell short against New Zealand, 78-71, in their Saturday afternoon faceoff at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China.
Vanessa de Jesus led Gilas with 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, Khate Castillo followed with 14 markers, while Naomi Panganiban and Sumayag Sugapong each scored 11 in the loss.
Despite this, it was still a relatively successful overall China trip for the Patrick Aquino-coached squad, as they were still able to make history by clinching a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers following their previous victory over Lebanon.
This win also allowed the Philippines to remain in Division A, a much-welcomed development ahead of the country’s hosting of the continental tournament in 2027.
As Gilas was leading 68-65 in the final five minutes of the contest, NZ went on an 11-nothing charge to overtake their counterparts, 76-68, taking advantage of the Filipinas firing blanks on their end.
A basket inside by Jack Animam in the final 30 seconds of the contest brought PH to within seven, 78-71, but that proved to be too late as New Zealand held on in the following possessions to secure 5th place.
Esra McGoldrick scored a game-high 17 points for NZ, Emilia Shearer was next with 16, and McKenna Dale scored 11.