Playing their fourth game in four days, Afril Bernardino and Gilas Pilipinas Women could not score an upset, falling at the hands of the Korea National Bank Stags, 80-92, Saturday evening at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
Bernardino almost played a perfect game, shooting 12-of-13 from the field for 24 points while still tallying three rebounds and four steals.
Still, it was not enough for the Filipinas to topple the fancied Korean club, falling behind by 16 points at the half.
Though Bernardino found help in Janine Pontejos and Mei-Lyn Bautista in the finale frame, the Koreans were still able to fend off Gilas’ late rally.
Bautista added 12 points built on four triples to go along with seven dimes. Meanwhile, Jack Animam played her best game in the tournament with 13 points and eight rebounds.
KNB, who rose to 2-2, were led by Hee Jin Choi’s 25 points. Sim Sung Young and Min Jeong Kim had 24 and 23 points respectively, and the former had eight rebounds and seven assists as well.
Gilas play its final game on Sunday against Chinese Taipei White at 2:00 pm.
The Scores:
Philippines 80 – Bernardino 24, Animam 13, Bautista 12, Pontejos 8, Bade 7, Miranda 6, Hawkins 4, Jose 3, Hayes 2, Claro 0, Castro 0.
Korea National Bank 92 – Choi 25, Sim 24, Kim 23, Youm 8, Park 8, Lee J 4, Lee S 0.
Quarterscores: 20-28, 35-51, 59-66, 80-92.