2026 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers: Brazil survive scare, snatch win over Philippines

Brazil - Philippines 77-74

Philippines put up a brave fight versus Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Kigali but had to surrender at the end as the Latin American powerhouse snatched a 3-point win at the end. Leticia Soares (185-C-1997, college: San Diego) scored 15 points to lead the winners.
Brazil grabbed a 20-15 lead after the opening quarter. But Philippines sank 24 points in the second term to pull within one at the interval 40-39. Brazil maintained a narrow lead throughout the third term. They entered the final frame up by just three points 60-57. Afril Bernardino (165-G-1991) tied things up at 74 with just over a minute remaining in regulation. Aline Moura (185-F/C-1997) gave Brazil a 75-74 lead with 20 seconds to go. Khate Castillo missed a three-pointer and Caca Martins sealed the deal from the charity stripe. Emanuely De Oliveira (178-F-1999, college: Florida) accounted for 13 points for Brazil. Jack-Danielle Animam (192-C/F-1998) answered with 18 points and 21 rebounds, while Afril Bernardino had 14 points in the loss.