Despite the impressive outings of Afril Bernardino and Kelli Hayes, Gilas Pilipinas Women could not overcome the New Zealand Tall Ferns, suffering a 72-106 defeat, Wednesday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
This is the Philipine Women’s National Basketball Team’s first-ever game in the annual tourney.
Bernardino had 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Her all-around outing though was not enough to topple the Tall Ferns, who led by double-digits most of the way.
The twin tower duo of Clare Castro and Jack Animam tried to power their way against the Tall Ferns early in the game.
However, the quartet of Micaela Cocks, Gabriella Fotu, Charlisse Leger-Walker, and Penina Davidson caught fire in the second frame, combining for 27 of New Zealand’s 34 points.
Though Bernardino and Hayes tried to muster a rally, the Kiwis proved to be too much.
Hayes added 17 points, built on three triples, for Gilas while felllow floor general Mei-Lyn Bautista added eight points.
Cocks led the way for New Zealand with 21 points as five Kiwis scored in double-figures.
Leger-Walker added 18 points, while Stella Beck scattered 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Gilas will next face Japanese club Mitsubishi Electric Koalas on Thursday, July 25 at 4:00 pm.
The Scores:
Philippines 72 – Bernardino 20, Hayes 17, Bautista 8, Pontejos 7, Castro 7, Animam 4, Claro 3, Jose 2, Bade 2, Hawkins 2, Miranda 0, Cabinbin 0.
New Zealand 106 – Cocks 21, Leger-Walker 18, Beck 15, Purcell 14, Davidson 14, Boagni 7, Fotu 7, Richards 6, West 2, Flavell 2, McGoldrick 0, Goulding 0.
Quarterscores: 14-25, 39-59, 56-81, 72-106.
