Gilas Women take narrow loss to Brazil in FIBA Pre-Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed a heartbreaking loss after almost pulling off a huge upset in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda as they bowed to Brazil, 77-74, on Monday, August 19.

Ranked 40th in the world, the Filipinas gave the world No. 8 Brazilians a run for their money before running out of steam in the endgame to fall 0-1 in Group C.

Jack Animam paced the Gilas with a monster-game scoring 18 points and grabbing 21 rebounds on top of four blocks, an assist, and a steal despite dealing with four fouls over 31 minutes of gameplay.

Afril Bernardino backstopped Animam with 14 markers, seven boards along with two rejections and two steals, while Naomi Panganiban scored 13, five rebounds and four assists. 

Despite struggling from the field, Panganiban’s fourth-quarter work was crucial for Gilas Women to make it a close finish, with her booming three with 5:09 left allowing the Philippines regain the lead, 69-68.

Khate Castillo and Stefanie Berberabe finished with 9 points apiece in the nip-and-tuck game that featured nine lead changes.

Leticia Soares led Brazil with 15 points and five rebounds, while Emmanuely De Oliveira and Maria Albiero chipped in 13 and 12 markers, respectively.

Gilas Women will take on world No. 16 Hungary on Tuesday, August 20.

The Philippines needs a top-two finish in the group to advance to the semifinals.