Philippines edge New Zealand 69-64 in U18 Asia Cup
Zaydhen Rosano scored 23 points as Gilas Girls claimed their first Division A victory and stayed in contention for the semi-finals.
Gilas Pilipinas Girls finished their Group A campaign with a 69-64 victory against New Zealand at Karisma Arena in Malaysia, recording their first win of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A. The Philippines ended the group stage at 1-2 and advanced to the qualification round for the semi-finals.
Rhiane Perez put the Philippines ahead in the closing stages. With Gilas trailing by one point, her layup made it 65-64 with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Zaydhen Rosano followed with two successful free throws, stretching the lead to three points.
A foul by Riley McClenaghan then sent Grace Curley to the line. Curley converted both attempts with 15 seconds remaining to establish the final 69-64 score.
Rosano finished with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Perez recorded 13 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist. Curley contributed nine points and 10 rebounds. Tifanny Reyes also scored nine points and collected five rebounds.
The Philippines had previously lost 102-47 to Australia and 86-70 to South Korea. Their next opponent in the semi-final qualification round will be the second seed from Group B.
