SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - Chinese Taipei salvaged a 5th-place finish in the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2026 following an 86-55 victory over the Philippines in the Classification 5-6, Friday at the Karisma Arena.
The East Asian side pulled off an 18-4 spurt to turn a slim lead to 28-13 just before the opening period ended to take control, then pulled away for good in the ensuing period to end their campaign with a bang.
But this win meant so much more than ensuring a triumphant finish, as it enabled the proud program to book a spot to the prestigious FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2027 to be held in China.
Chinese Taipei will be joining hosts China, Australia, Japan, and Korea - the only four teams that have won gold in the U18 Women's Asia Cup - in the tilt scheduled to take place on July 17-25, 2027 in the city of Chengdu.
It will be the 17th edition of the biennial continental tournament, with these Asian teams hoping to make some noise in the event that has been lorded over by the mighty United States since 2019.
"We feel excited about next year. I played in China before so I'm also excited to go there," expressed head coach Rosa Chien, who became the first player from Chinese Taipei to play in the WCBA back in 2002.
"We will learn from this tournament and do the adjustments for next year," the legendary player turned bench tactician added.
Chen Jou-An led Chinese Taipei with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. Chang Yu-Tung supplied 11 points, while Lin Nian-Zhen chipped in 10 rebounds, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists as the team finished with a 2-3 record.
The Gilas Girls, on the other hand, were led by Grace Curley with a game-high 15 points and 9 rebounds. KJ Badajos made 12 points, while Rhiane Perez and Tiffany Reyes added 11 and 10, respectively.
The Philippines finished their maiden Division A campaign at 6th place with a 1-4 record, which is nonetheless a good run for a team that previously spent some time in Division B before earning the promotion in 2024.
"We're very optimistic. It's a big honor for us to be in Division A. We wanted not just to be happy to be here competing but we wanted to take steps," said head coach Sandy Arespacochaga as they think long-term.
FIBA