NAGOYA, Japan — Gilas Pilipinas Women are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Games after pulling away from Hong Kong, 90–73, Sunday at the Aichi International Arena.
The victory kept the Philippines unbeaten at 2–0 in Group B and secured its place in the knockout stage, giving the Filipinas another chance to make a deeper run in the continental tournament.
The result also followed Gilas Women’s impressive 86–58 opening-game victory over Kazakhstan, putting the Philippine squad in strong position heading into the final preliminary-round matchup against host Japan.
Berberabe leads the charge
Stefanie Berberabe delivered another standout performance, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists to lead the Philippine attack.
Afril Bernardino added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists, while Jhazmin Joson contributed 15 points.
Camille Malagar scored 14, while naturalized player Elizabeth Means chipped in 11 points as Gilas received significant production from multiple players.
Hong Kong was led by Tsz Kwan Li, who erupted for 30 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tan Fung Ma added 15 points.
Hong Kong refuses to go away
The game was far from a runaway in the early stages.
Hong Kong stayed within striking distance deep into the third quarter, with Li hitting a three-pointer that cut the Philippine advantage to just 59–57.
That proved to be a critical moment.
Gilas responded with a decisive burst, closing the third quarter strongly and carrying the momentum into the final period. Berberabe and Janine Pontejos knocked down key three-pointers during the run, while the Philippines continued attacking on both ends of the floor.
Philstar reported that the Philippines eventually used a 16–3 run to create separation, with Bernardino helping cap the surge as Gilas moved ahead, 76–60, with 7:37 remaining.
From there, the Filipinas did not allow Hong Kong to mount another serious comeback.
From Kazakhstan rout to quarterfinal ticket
Gilas entered the Hong Kong game after a commanding opening performance against Kazakhstan.
The Philippines won that contest 86–58, with Elizabeth Means making an immediate impact in her Asian Games debut. GMA News reported that Means scored 23 points and grabbed four rebounds, while Berberabe finished with 11 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The strong start was significant for a Philippine women’s team entering the tournament under new head coach BT Toews and featuring Means as its naturalized player.
The team’s current 12-player lineup includes Berberabe, Bernardino, Means, Joson, Kent Pastrana, Janine Pontejos, Karl Ann Pingol, Angelica Surada, Camille Clarin, Monique del Carmen, Camille Malagar and Hazelle Yam.
Japan showdown now looms
With the quarterfinal ticket already secured, Gilas Women will close the Group B preliminary round against host Japan on Tuesday, September 22.
Japan entered Sunday with a 1–0 record before its matchup with Kazakhstan, meaning the final group game could have major implications for the standings and the positioning heading into the knockout stage.
The Philippines also has recent Asian Games experience to build on. At the previous edition in Hangzhou, Gilas Women reached the quarterfinals before losing to South Korea, according to Pilipino Star Ngayon’s tournament preview.
Now, with two wins already secured in Aichi-Nagoya, the Filipinas have another opportunity to push deeper into the Asian Games tournament.
The quarterfinal berth is secured. The unbeaten record is intact. But the biggest test of the group stage is still ahead: Japan.
