Gilas Women reach FIBA 3×3 World Cup for first time in 8 years

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in eight years, Gilas Pilipinas Women are through to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. 

Kacey dela Rosa dominated and propelled the Philippines to a commanding 21-10 win over host Singapore in the do-or-die match of the World Cup qualifiers at the OCBC Square on Sunday, April 12.

Dela Rosa outscored the entire Singaporean crew, finishing with 11 points as Gilas Women completed the 20-team cast for the global 3×3 basketball showdown to be staged in Warsaw, Poland, in June.

On fire from the get-go, Dela Rosa scored 5 points in a blazing 10-4 start — a lead that the Filipinas never relinquished before they wrapped up the match with just under 40 seconds left.

Afril Bernardino sealed the win with a pair of free throws, returning to the World Cup after representing the country in the 2018 edition together with Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos, and Gemma Miranda. 

“I don’t feel old because of them,” said Bernardino, the oldest in the squad at 30 years old, of her teammates. “I can’t imagine that I’m still here playing with the young ballers in the Philippines.” 

 “They’re giving me a chance to play with them, I feel young. I enjoyed playing and representing the Philippines. Proud that we got the slot in the FIBA World Cup this year.” 

Bernardino finished with 6 points, while Mikka Cacho supplied 4 points as Gilas Women bounced back after missing their first World Cup shot following a 21-16 loss to Lithuania in the semifinals. 

It was also redemption for the Philippines after it absorbed a 21-19 defeat to Singapore in the pool stage.

This month has proven momentous for Gilas Women, who are coming off a historic silver finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup a week ago. – Rappler.com