By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Gilas Pilipinas women finished in sixth place at the 2025 FIBA Asia Women’s Cup after a 78-71 loss to New Zealand at the Shenzhen Sports Center in China on Saturday afternoon, July 19.
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana, who made her Gilas debut in the tournament, finished with five points, including a three-pointer, to go with two assists and one rebound in the loss.
After falling behind by double digits early, the Filipinas methodically clawed back behind the efforts of Vanessa de Jesus and Khate Castillo, eventually seizing a 68-67 lead in the fourth quarter.
New Zealand, however, responded with a decisive burst sparked by Emilia Shearer, McKenna Dane and Esra McGoldrick, rebuilding control and stretching the gap to 76-68 with two minutes remaining.
McGoldrick powered the Tall Ferns with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Shearer added 16 and Dane chipped in 11 as New Zealand secured fifth place in the tournament.
De Jesus led Gilas with 16 points.
Castillo contributed 14, while Sumayah Sugapong and Naomi Panganiban tallied 11 apiece.
Despite matching their sixth-place finish in 2023, Gilas Pilipinas women still secured qualification for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament./ASC, WDJ