Hungary's height, might too much for Gilas Women in 37-point loss in FIBA World Cup Pre-qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas Women found no answers to Hungary's height and hot offense as the Filipinas absorbed a 97-60 loss to remain winless in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Pre-qualifying tournament on early Wednesday in Rwanda. 

The nationals fell to a 0-2 hole while world no. 16 Hungary bounced back from a narrow opening day loss to Senegal and improved to an even 1-1 card in Group C. 

The only time the wards of head coach Patrick Aquino held a lead was after a basket from Afril Bernardino put them at 2-0 to open the game. Hungary was in full control since then, ending the first half with a 51-24 cushion over the world no. 40 Philippines. 

Gilas Women then found themselves down by 34 at some point in the third frame with Agnes Torok igniting for back-to-back triples for a 65-31 advantage before young Filipina cagers Ella Fajardo and Kacey Dela Rosa connected from downtown with a three-pointer each. 

However, those were not enough to slice the gap with Hungary carrying a comfortable 75-44 upper hand before the payoff period. 

Jack Animam, who struggled this time after a double-double effort last night against Brazil, tried to instigate a comeback by opening the fourth with a layup followed by a Naomi Panganiban bucket, 48-79. 

Hungary, however, responded with a quick 7-0 rampage. Reigning UAAP MVP Dela Rosa buried two straight triples while Kristan Yumul sank a long bomb of her own, 59-91, to stage a last-gasp retaliation. 

But time — and luck — just weren't on Gilas' side this time around as Hungary cruised to the win. 

Animam was limited to just six points and one rebound in almost 24 minutes of action, far lower than her 18-point and 21-rebound production in their tight 77-74 loss to Brazil. 

Bernardino and Fajardo, however, stepped up with the veteran baller pouring in 11 markers, six boards, and four steals while the latter churned out 10 points, rebounds, and one dime. 

The 6-foot Torok imposed her will with 25 points, three rebounds, and four assists while Debora Dubei and Reka Lelik each posted 13 markers as they recovered from a 63-61 defeat against Senegal. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News