Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed a 57-76 defeat at the hands of Chinese Taipei’s Universiade team, bowing out of podium contention in the 44th William Jones Cup on Sunday afternoon at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
After notching a win over Thailand to even their record at 1-1, the Philippines dropped three straight games to close out the tournament.
Gilas finished fifth in the six-team field with a 1-4 record — their lowest placement in the annual tournament since a similar 1-4 finish in the 2023 edition.
As in their previous games, the Philippines kept pace with their opponents in the first half and trailed by just two points at the break, 32-30.
But the wheels came off in the second half. WUG CTUSF outscored Gilas, 20-11, in the third quarter to build a 50-43 lead heading into the final period.
The third quarter slump proved costly, as the Filipinas were outgunned once again in the fourth, 26-14, sealing their fourth loss in five outings and dashing their hopes of a podium finish.
Vanessa de Jesus led the Philippines with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Naomi Panganiban followed with 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, along with six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Yvette Villanueva and Ella Fajardo added eight points each in the losing effort.
A key factor in the loss was the limited impact of Gilas anchor Jack Animam, who was held to just seven points on 3-of-10 shooting, though she contributed 11 rebounds and two steals.
Meanwhile, the win boosted WUG CTUSF’s medal hopes, as they wrapped up the elimination round with a 3-2 record.
They now await the result of the Japan Universiade vs. Chinese Taipei match — a Japan victory would secure WUG CTUSF the bronze medal.
Wang Yue Shi paced WUG CTUSF with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting and two rebounds, while Huang Qiao Jun chipped in 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, along with five assists.
