SHENZHEN (China) - The Philippines showed grace under pressure in toppling Lebanon, 73-70, for a victory of historic proportions in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, Wednesday at the Shenzhen Sports Center.
Naomi Panganiban sank arguably the most important free throws of her career, going perfect from the stripe with 8.3 seconds left to give themselves room to breathe after the opposition got to within a point, 71-70.
Gilas Women turned to their defense afterward, preventing the Cedars from getting a good look from three-point distance. A Zena Elias airball from midrange as time expired then signaled a celebration for the youth-laden side.
Not only did they collect their maiden win of the tournament after an 0-2 start, but this batch has also brought the country to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments for the first time ever.
They've assured themselves of a Top Six finish in the tilt - a prerequisite in order to reach the prestigious contest - by clinching the no. 3 spot of Group B, bringing themselves as well to the Qualification to Semi-Finals.
There, they're set to face the no. 2 seed of Group A, which could either be Korea or New Zealand, depending on how the two teams' games later tonight will unfold. Both squads are toting identical 1-1 win-loss records.
The said stage is set on Friday, July 18. But for now, all of Gilas Women are relishing what they have accomplished, for the win also meant that the Philippines are staying in Division A for at least another cycle.
Great news, indeed, for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 hosts.
"This win represents everything that we've been working hard for in the last 10 years or so," head coach Pat Aquino said. "We're glad to be competing and not just staying here in Division A. But, we still have to improve more."
"And we hope we level up again - soon," added the veteran mentor.
Panganiban top-scored for the Philippines with 15 points - spiked by two treys - along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and her endgame heroics saved also the others' efforts in making sure that no collapse will take place.
The crew seemingly restored order early in the fourth quarter but the Lebanese refused to quit, retaliating with five straight points behind Jillian Archer and Elias to take the 62-61 lead with 6:27 remaining.
Jack Animam, though, brought the badly needed stability for her side, scoring through a foul inside before following it up with another shot from close range to give them the lead for good at 65-62.
Kacey Dela Rosa would then score from point-blank just moments later, not wanting to waste whatsoever a solid find by a driving Panganiban to inflate their cushion to five points, 67-62, with 3:58 on the clock.
Lebanon tried to chip away the deficit and they did. They actually had a chance to regain the lead but Rebecca Akl Archer failed to capitalize, as both women only split their shots in separate trips to the free throw line.
But Archer's proved to be the toughest one for the West Asian side as she failed to tie the game up at 71-all, thus allowing the Philippines to stay ahead before Panganiban made them pay by going 2-for-2 on the other end.
"Just so proud of the girls," Aquino said. "Just happy for the girls. Happy for the federation. Happy for women's basketball in the Philippines ... We have to keep going, keep improving. That's the goal of the team."
Animam finished with another double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, together with 5 assists and 3 steals for an efficiency of 25 on her way to bagging TCL Player of the Game honors which she shared with the team.
Sumayah Sugapong made 14 as well with 5 rebounds, personifying hustle most especially in the final seconds when she dove for the ball to save possession that ultimately led to Panganiban shooting for two FTs.
Vanessa De Jesus came through with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Dela Rosa delivered 10 points and 5 rebounds together with 3 steals and a block to submit her best game of the competition to date.
Lebanon, on the other hand. were led by Archer with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the loss, which kept them winless with a 0-3 record and will have to avoid relegation in the battle for 7th place set Friday as well.
Rebecca Akl had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists while Elias added 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Cedars.
FIBA