Gilas Pilipinas Women could not find their touch for the second straight game in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, falling to Japan, 57-95, on Tuesday at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
The Philippines fell to 0-2 in Group B and will figure in a fight-for-a-play-in game against Chinese-Taipei on Wednesday.
Japan, meanwhile, will face Australia for the top spot also on Wednesday.
Defensively, the Filipinas fared better against the Akatsuki Five compared to their 2017 encounter that saw them lose 55-106.
However, it was the first quarter that doomed Gilas Women once more.
With Japan holding a 9-11 lead midway through the opening frame, Monica Okoye took charge for the defending champion. She triggered a 15-3 spurt to close out the quarter.
Though Gilas fared better in the middle quarters, Japan zoomed in the final frame, outscoring the Philippines 29-9 to close out the contest.
Three players scored in double-figures for the Philippines with Vanessa De Jesus and Afril Bernardino leading the way with 12 points. Janine Pontejos added 11 points on three treys.
Jack Animam also bounced back from a scoreless game against Australia yesterday, finishing with eight points and seven rebounds.
All Japanese players punched in a field goal in the contest.
Himawari Akaho finished with 16 points while Mai Yamamoto added 15 points. Saki Hayashi and Aika Hirashita chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Scores:
Philippines 57 – De Jesus 12, Bernardino 12, Pontejos 11, Animam 8, Cabinbin 4, Castillo 3, Fajardo 3, Surada 2, Ozar 2, Joson 0, Clarin 0, Cacho 0.
Japan 95 – Akaho 16, Yamamoto 15, Hayashi 11, Hirashita 10, Hoshi 8, Mawuli 7, Miyazaki 6, Motohashi 5, Asahina 5, Takada 4, Okoye 4, Todo 4.
Quarterscores: 14-28, 31-49, 48-66, 57-95.
