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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Gilas notches historic win vs Colombia to end World Cup qualifier on a high note

Gilas notches historic win vs Colombia to end World Cup qualifier on a high note

Published Mar 18, 2026 10:04 am  |  Updated Mar 18, 2026 01:14 pm

At A Glance

  • The Gilas Women banked on a late explosion from Kacey Dela Rosa to turn back Colombia, 74-59 and end its very first World Cup qualifying tournament campaign on a winning note at the Astroballe in Lyon on Tuesday, March 17.
Sumayah Sugapong (FIBA photos)
Sumayah Sugapong (FIBA photos)
Gilas Pilipinas may not be advancing to the FIBA Women’s World Cup but nonetheless it proved that it belonged to the international stage.
The Gilas Women banked on a late explosion from Kacey Dela Rosa to turn back Colombia, 74-59, and end its very first World Cup qualifying tournament campaign on a winning note at the Astroballe in Lyon, France on Tuesday, March 17.
Dela Rosa poured 14 of the team’s 23 points in the final frame as the Nationals pulled away from a tight 51-47 advantage at the end of the third quarter.
The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player put together a double-double effort of 25 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks while Sumayag Sugapong amply supported her with 21 points.
With the win, the Nationals not only avoided a winless campaign but more importantly, picked up their historic first win in the tournament. Gilas finished with a 1-4 slate while Colombia ended up 0-5.
Jenifer Munoz finished with 14 points to pace Colombia, which actually led by as many as 10, 36-26, in the second quarter.
The Nationals, however, came alive with Sugapong and veteran Afril Bernardino joining hands in a searing third quarter rally before Dela Rosa put on the finishing touches.
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