Ateneo de Manila University’s Batman and Robin duo continues to impress for Gilas Pilipinas Women.
Kacey dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson led the Philippines’ all-around attack, powering their side to a 64-60 escape of Iran for the squad’s first-ever win in the William Jones Cup on Sunday at Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taiwan.
The win broke the Philippine Women’s National Basketball Team’s seven-game losing streak in the pocket tournament which stretched back to a winless campaign in 2019 and extended by an 85-89 defeat at the hands of the host last night.
Dela Rosa, who had an impressive double-double performance in her Gilas debut against Chinese-Taipei Blue on Saturday, produced 12 points and eight rebounds against Iran’s national team while Joson fired 12 points as well — all from three-pointers.
With the two leading the way, Gilas overhauled a 23-30 halftime deficit into a 49-39 lead entering the final frame.
Defense did the trick for the Filipinas in the close out to go up to 1-1 in the six-team tournament.
Jack Animam was the anchor for Gilas, producing seven points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and four assists while Andrea Tongco and Gabi Bade chipped in seven markers each as well.
The Philippines will look to make it two in a row on Monday against Chinese-Taipei’s youth team.
Meanwhile, Iran, which fell to 0-2, was led by Rasoulipour Negin, who got 18 points. Abedi Mahia notched a double-double as well for the Iranians with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
