SEREMBAN — A start so promising ultimately ended in disappointment as the Philippines bowed to China, 82-50, and kissed its semifinal hopes goodbye in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup, Friday night at the Karisma Arena here.
The Gilas Girls actually ended the first 10 minutes in their favor before making it a 23-19 lead to open the second period, but the three-time champions got going by relying on their size and speed to eventually take the driver’s seat.
A 10-0 run, led by Li Yuanshan, toward a 43-30 lead with 1:44 left in the said chapter was all that the Chinese needed to seize control of the game for good, bursting the bubble of a team that’s coming off a historic win versus Korea.
The Philippines could only try, but the traditional contenders were simply too much as the latter went on to complete the semis picture–and punch their ticket to the prestigious FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup next year.
Still, Coach Julie Amos & Co. can finish their campaign on a winning note when they take on Chinese Taipei in the battle for fifth set tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.
Ella Smith led the Philippines with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Makena Ramos backed her up with 11 points in the loss.
China, on the other hand, leaned on a balanced attack spearheaded by Li with 18 points, 12 of which she produced in the second chapter.
Sun Hanyun supplied 12 points and 15 rebounds, while Li Anni finished with her own double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds, as all 12 players of Coach Li Jianxin contributed at least a point in the dominant victory.
With the result, China not only completed the semis cast but also finalized the four-team Asian ensemble to the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Czechia, joining Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Back in the final four after eight years, Team Dragon will take on the Sapphires–a team seeking an unprecedented four-peat–on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
