Gilas Pilipinas Women celebrate big win over Lebanon in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. – FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas Women’s win over Lebanon in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup for Women came with plenty to celebrate.

For starters, Gilas’ 73-70 victory on Wednesday at Shenzen Sports Center sent the Philippines to the tournament’s semifinal qualification phase.

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The Filipinas will face the second seed from Group A–either Korea on New Zealand–on Friday for a shot at the next round.

But that wasn’t the only prize at stake.

With the win, Gilas Pilipinas also secured its spot in Fiba Asia Division A.

READ: Philippines set to host Fiba Women’s Asia Cup 2027

On top of that, the Philippines clinched a berth in the 2026 Fiba Women’s World Cup Qualifiers after ranking among the top six teams in the Asia Cup with a 1-2 record (as of writing).

Naomi Panganiban powered the squad with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and the clutch free throws that sealed the deal for Gilas.

Jack Animam delivered a monster double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds, while Sumayah Sugapong and Vanessa De Jesus added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Jillian Archer led Lebanon with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a winless 0-3 finish in Group B.