Kacey Dela Rosa erupts late as Gilas Women upset Colombia to end FIBA World Cup Qualifiers run

Gilas Pilipinas Women won't end its FIBA World Cup Qualifiers debut winless after Kacey Dela Rosa erupted late to spark a 74-59 win over Colombia on Tuesday night (Manila time) in France. 

The two-time UAAP MVP dropped 14 points in the fourth quarter to finish with a huge double-double effort of 25 points and 18 rebounds laced with five blocks and one assist as the Filipinas ended their campaign with a 1-4 card. 

They also kept the world No. 19 Colombia winless with a 0-5 record. 

Competing at this level for the first time in history, Gilas Pilipinas got off to a slow start as Colombia controlled the first half with Jennifer Munoz knocking down a layup that stretched the lead to 36-26 late in the second period.

By the halftime break, Gilas was only trailing by seven, 33-40.

The world No. 39 Philippines then flipped the momentum in the second half behind veteran Afril Bernardino and youngster Sumayah Sugapong, whose combined efforts powered Gilas to a 51-47 edge heading into the payoff period.

Dela Rosa, who suffered an injury scare late in the third frame after a hard fall, exploded in the fourth to carry Gilas to a breakthrough win.

The Ateneo de Manila University standout scored three straight baskets, including a tough mid-range jumper, that pushed Gilas to a 62-49 cushion halfway through. 

Another Dela Rosa bucket sent Gilas to a 64-51 lead before Sugapong knocked down three consecutive free throws to extend it to a comfortable 67-52 advantage.

Louna Ozar and Dela Rosa delivered the dagger in the final 1:28 as Gilas left Colombia with no chance to recover. 

Sugapong backstopped Dela Rosa with a 21-point showing along with two rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Bernardino and Stefanie Berberabe chipped in eight and six markers. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News