Basketball Daily

GILAS PILIPINAS WOMEN WIN! 🇵🇭🏀

Gilas Pilipinas Women opened their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a dominant 86-58 victory over Kazakhstan.

Elizabeth Means led the way with 23 PTS, 4 REB, and 8 STL, while Stefani Berberabe added 11 PTS and 8 AST.

A complete team effort from start to finish as Gilas Women made a strong statement in their opening game. 🇵🇭🔥

FROM CHAMPION TO 9TH. 🏀💔

Gilas Pilipinas went from Asian Games champions in 2023 to finishing 9th in 2026, marking the team’s lowest-ever finish in the tournament.

ASIAN GAMES 2023
Champion | 6-1 record

ASIAN GAMES 2026
9th Place | 1-2 record

The Philippines ended a 61-year wait for Asian Games gold in 2023, defeating China in the semifinals and Jordan in the final. But three years later, the title defense ended early after Gilas suffered a 105-61 loss to China, eliminating them from the quarterfinals.

The previous lowest finish was 7th place in 2014.

From four straight golds, to a 61-year drought, to a historic championship in 2023, and now the lowest finish in history.

What's next for Gilas Pilipinas? 🇵🇭

BATERBONIA FAMILY WITH KOJI BUENAFLOR.

LOOK: Rovelyn Baterbonia, mother of the late Ateneo Blue Eagle Rene Baterbonia, shared a photo with UST Growling Tiger Koji Buenaflor, whom she said reminded her of her son.

Buenaflor had previously been the subject of social media rumors claiming he was Rene’s cousin, but he has since clarified that they are not related by blood.

"Hello nak Rene Baterbonia 2.0 kahit Wala kana ito parin Ako Tudo support para sa justice mo thank u sa UST penayagan kmi makipagpicture sa Isang player na kamokha mo para Sayo Ang game na ito," Rovelyn Baterbonia wrote on her Facebook post.

“Regardless of our lack of family relation, I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Rene during this difficult time,” Koji Buenaflor.

WHAT A DEBUT FOR KIEFFER! 🔥🦅

Kieffer Alas made an immediate impact in his UAAP Season 89 debut, pouring in a game-high 24 points (19 in the first half), as the Ateneo Blue Eagles get their first win over the UE Red Warriors 101–74.

Stephen A. Smith says Kawhi Leonard is a “gangster.”

“He’s a gangster. I mean, to sit up there. He broke the rules, got caught, pointed the finger at somebody else, threw the organization under the bus, got his money, and left the country. I mean, damn, how much better can it get than that? ”

(via )

“WE DIDN’T BRING OUR BEST PLAYERS.”

Tim Cone expressed disappointment after Gilas missed the Asian Games quarterfinals, pointing to the absence of key players as a major factor.

“Deeply disappointed we couldn’t get the to the quarters. But it’s a reminder for us that if we don’t or can’t bring our players to these international events, we won’t excel. We brought some really good players, but we didn’t bring our best players.” - Coach Tim Cone

SEN. B**G GO SPEAKS OUT ON GILAS’ LOSS

Sen. B**g Go expressed disappointment after Gilas Pilipinas suffered a 105–61 loss to China, ending its Asian Games title defense.

He stressed the need for better preparation and coordination, saying the focus should be on building a stronger national team for future international tournaments.

CHINA ELIMINATES GILAS, 105-61 💔🇵🇭

China dominated Gilas Pilipinas, winning 105-61 in the 2026 Asian Games.

Gilas needed to keep the losing margin below 37 points to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, but China’s 44-point victory ended the Philippines’ campaign.

Gilas Pilipinas is eliminated on the Asian Games.

CHINA BUILDS 36-POINT GAP OVER GILAS. 🇨🇳🇵🇭

China is in complete control of the game, building a 36-point lead over Gilas Pilipinas at halftime in the 2026 Asian Games.

Gilas can afford to lose to China by a margin of 37 points or less in order to secure one of two best third-placed squads in the tournament.

FUTURE UAAP STAR! 🌟

Joaquin Tovera made an impressive statement in his rookie debut, dropping 22 points and 3 steals in 12 mins as the DLSU Green Archers beat the NU Bulldogs 89-87 in their opening game of UAAP Season 89.

Big debut for the rookie. 🏹💚