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Beaten 73-70, the Lebanese women narrowly missed their first win of the tournament. A frustrating loss, but a performance full of pride ahead of the battle to stay in Division A.

They believed until the very end. In Shenzhen on Wednesday, the Lebanese women’s basketball team gave its all against the Philippines, falling just short (73-70) in a nail-biting contest that wrapped up Group B play at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025. A painful defeat, as the upset came down to a single free throw or rebound.

And yet, despite the disappointment, the national team can hold its head high after a battle that could easily have gone the other way. On the other side, the Gilas Women earned their victory but had to fight until the final seconds to secure this historic win, one that sends them to the qualifying tournaments for the 2026 World Cup.

Lebanon Pushed Its Opponent to the Limit

Lebanon never gave up. Trailing in the fourth quarter, the squad responded with grit and determination. A jumper from Elias, a move from Archer and suddenly, Lebanon was back in front (62-61) with six minutes to go. But the Philippines quickly struck back: Animam and then Dela Rosa restored their lead (67-62).

Lebanon clawed its way back again. Archer and Akl had a chance to tie the game at the free throw line, but each made just one. At 71-70, the Philippines was under pressure. But with 8.3 seconds left on the clock, Naomi Panganiban stayed cool: 2-for-2 from the line, and just enough of a lead to seal the win.

Zena Elias took Lebanon’s final shot, but it missed. Game over.

A Performance Worth Highlighting

On the stat sheet, Lebanon was led by a stellar Jillian Archer (23 points, 10 rebounds), who anchored the team all game long. Rebecca Akl also stood out (13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), while Elias added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Together, they carried the team and kept hope alive until the final possession.

But this third loss (0-3) now puts Lebanon in a must-win situation on Friday to avoid relegation to Division B. The stakes are high: maintaining their place in the elite of Asian women’s basketball.

Next step: the battle for survival on Friday. A final. A mission. An opportunity.