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Kacey dela Rosa and Afril Bernardino lead the way as Gilas Women complete the 20-team FIBA 3×3 World Cup to be held in Poland in June.
MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in eight years, Gilas Pilipinas Women have qualified for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
Kacey dela Rosa dominated and propelled the Philippines to a 21-10 win over hosts Singapore in a do-or-die World Cup qualifier at OCBC Square on Sunday, April 12.
Dela Rosa topped the entire Singapore crew, finishing with 11 points as Gilas Women rounded out the 20-team field for the 3×3 international basketball tournament to be held in Warsaw, Poland, in June.
On fire from the offside, Dela Rosa scored 5 points in a blistering 10-4 start – a lead the Filipinos never relinquished before ending the game with less than 40 seconds left.
Afril Bernardino sealed the win with two free kicks, returning to the World Cup after representing the country in the 2018 edition alongside Jack Animam, Janine Pontejos, and Gemma Miranda.
“I don’t feel old because of them,” said Bernardino, the oldest in the squad at 30, of his teammates. “I can’t imagine that I’m still here playing with young players in the Philippines.”
“They give me a chance to play with them, I feel young. I enjoyed playing and representing the Philippines. I am proud that we got a place in the FIBA World Cup this year.”
Bernardino finished with 6 points, while Mikka Cacho had 4 points as Gilas Women rebounded after missing their first World Cup shot following a 21-16 loss to Lithuania in the semifinals.
It was also a redemption for the Philippines after suffering a 21-19 loss to Singapore in the pool stage.
This month has proven to be important for Gilas Women, who are coming out finish the historic money in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup a week ago. – Rappler.com
