Sabrina Ionescu inspires young Filipinos: 'Continue to be great'

Sabrina Ionescu inspires young Filipinos: ‘Continue to be great’

/ 09:39 PM March 11, 2025

Sabrina Ionescu Manila Tour

Sabrina Ionescu participates in an exhibition game featuring Filipino basketball stars at Araneta Coliseum in one of the highlights of her Manila tour.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu ended her Manila Tour the same way it started, enamored by her Filipino fans and supporters.

Ionescu put on a show at Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday as she participated in an exhibition match and competed in a 3-point shootout.

“I just want to say thank you all. Obviously, the goal and legacy I want to have is to leave the game better than I found it,” said an emotional Ionescu.

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READ: Sabrina Ionescu’s Manila trip goes a long way for PH women’s basketball

“To all the young boys and girls in this arena, continue to be great,” she added.

The 27-year-old Ionescu, a prolific 3-point shooter, showcased her marksmanship in a 3-point contest against some of the country’s prolific shooters in San Miguel Beer swingman Marcio Lassiter, Gilas Pilipinas Women mainstays Khate Castillo and Janine Pontejos and La Salle standout Luisa San Juan.

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In a stunning upset, Castillo won the event, edging Ionescu, 19-16.

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The finals of Titan’s Show Her Love tournament also took place with Team Triple B beating Team Honor behind Kacey Dela Rosa, who wound up with the MVP honors after a 19-point effort.

READ: Sabrina Ionescu says WNBA needs to have four-point shot

In one of the night’s highlights, Ionescu headlined an exhibition game between Team Puso and Team Laban.

After suiting up for Paul Lee-led Team Laban in the first half, Ionescu then switched sides and played for LA Tenorio’s Team Puso, which came out on top, 79-69. Ionescu finished with 23 points.

After a three-day Manila visit, the 27-year-old Ionescu heads to Guangzhou, China to continue her Asia Tour, which culminates in Hong Kong.

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