Gilas Pilipinas Women not losing focus despite Asian Games QF ticket, brace for Japan - GMA Network

The Gilas Pilipinas Women have already secured a quarterfinals berth in the 2026 Asian Games after a dominant 90-73 win over Hong Kong early Sunday in Nagoya.

However, the Filipinas are not looking that far ahead just yet, with their sights set on host Japan in the final group stage match on Tuesday as they look to complete a preliminary sweep ahead of the playoffs.

"Yes, I think I'm definitely taking it game by game, day by day. I'm very excited to play Japan. I love the challenge. I'm excited to see what Coach BT has planned for us just because he's so familiar with the style of Japanese basketball," Stefanie Berberabe, who lifted Gilas past Hong Kong, said in an interview with Philippine Olympic Committee Media.

"And looking forward to the quarterfinals, we're not looking at that. Personally, I'm not looking at that yet. Next game is my focus."

While Japan is considered a favorite to win a medal, Gilas isn't marching into that matchup blindly.

New head coach BT Toews is very much familiar with the Japanese brand of basketball after having to start his coaching career in the country, calling the shots for the likes of Hyogo Storks and the Hitachi SunRockers.

The Canadian tactician also had stints with Fujitsu Red Wave, which he helped steer to back-to-back titles in the Japan Women's Basketball League in 2024 and 2025.

"This is not just my last coaching assignment. This is my life here — 35 years in Japan," Toews recalled

"So it's more to me like, it's really nice to come home. I've only been away for four months. It's just that it takes on a different kind of feeling for me. But when the game comes, I'll be completely focused and probably acting like a crazy man on the sidelines, trying to do this and that."

Japan dominated its first game after eking out a 114-37 win against Hong Kong and is facing Kazakhstan as of writing.