Gilas Pilipinas Women bowed out of their first-ever William Jones Cup stint winless, falling against host Chinese-Taipei White, 83-92, Sunday afternoon at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
It was a valiant campaign for the national team, especially after they suffered a tough beating from the New Zealand National Team.
After that 34-point beatdown, the Filipinas recovered. They next figured in close games against Mitsubishi Electric, Chinese-Taipei Blue, and Korea National Bank Stars.
This time, though, fatigue caught up with the young squad.
Afril Bernardino had 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the game. She also found a partner in Jack Animam, who tallied 23 points and 14 rebounds.
However, the Philippines started slow, falling behind by 13 points, which proved to be their downfall. Entering the final frame, Gilas was still down by 10 points.
It did not help that Gilas could not find their shot from distance. They went just 2-of-15 from downtown, while also shooting only 15-of-24 from the stripe.
Chinese-Taipei, who ended their campaign with two wins, knocked down six triples and shot 24-of-28 from the free throw line.
The Fil-American quartet of Mei-Lyn Bautista, Kelli Hayes, Gabi Bade, and Arnecia Hawkins also struggled in the game, shooting a combined 5-of-16 from the field.
Wei-An Chen led the Taiwanese with 20 points, while Ling-Chuan Huang added 16 markers.
Up next for the Philippines is the 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup from September 22 to 29 in Bangalore, India. The Philippines is slotted with Australia, China, and New Zealand in the group stages.
The Scores:
Philippines 83 – Bernardino 24, Animam 23, Jose 8, Bautista 5, Hayes 5, Bade 5, Cabinbin 4, Pontejos 4, Miranda 3, Hawkins 2, Claro 0, Castro 0.
Chinese-Taipei White 92 – Chen 20, Huang 16, Chu 10, Liu 9, Han 9, Lin 9, Lo 8, Hsu 2, Chen 0, Yang 0.
Quarterscores: 17-30, 46-53, 58-68, 83-92.
