MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas Women stormed back to the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup after an eight-year absence, overpowering host Singapore, 21-10, to secure the final qualifying berth on Sunday at the OCBC Arena.
The Philippine squad, composed of Cheska Apag, Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Kacey Dela Rosa, delivered a commanding performance under pressure to book a slot in the global tournament set this June in Warsaw, Poland.
Bouncing back from a semifinal loss to Lithuania, Gilas Women seized control early in the do-or-die match, racing to an 11-7 lead before a brief scare when Cacho exited due to a leg concern midway through the contest.
Undeterred, the Filipinas maintained their rhythm, with Cacho eventually returning to help sustain the attack alongside Dela Rosa. The duo powered a decisive surge that stretched the advantage to 16-8 late in the game.
Cacho and Dela Rosa continued to dictate the tempo, while Bernardino delivered clutch free throws to seal both the victory and the country’s long-awaited return to the prestigious tournament.
Dela Rosa paced the Philippines with 11 points, while Bernardino and Cacho chipped in six and four markers, respectively.
Gilas Women had a mixed campaign in the qualifiers, opening with a narrow 16-13 defeat to Brazil before edging Singapore, 21-19, to emerge as the top seed from their group.
The Philippine women’s 3×3 team last saw action in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup in 2018, where it finished 17th overall./PN
