Despite the heroics of Janine Pontejos and Kelli Hayes, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s could not overcome Chinese Taipei Blue, falling in overtime, 91-99, Friday evening at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
The loss dropped the Philippines to an 0-3 record in the 2019 William Jones Cup. Still, the improvements of the country’s national team are clear.
Afril Bernardino had a huge third quarter that gave the Philippines a four-point cushion heading into the final frame.
Though the duo of Clare Castro and Janine Pontejos tried to fend off Chinese-Taipei in the final frame, Pei-Chen Tsai and the hosts were able to send the game into extra time.
Kelli Hayes tried to will the Filipinas in overtime. Unfortunately, Szu-Chin Pang gained hot hands just in time for Chinese-Taipei for their first win in the six-team meet.
Pontejos scattered 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Hayes added 14 points and five boards.
Bernardino and Castro added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Fan-Shan Huang led Chinese-Taipei with 23 points and six boards. Meanwhile, Pang chipped in 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Gilas takes on the Korea National Bank KB Stars in their penultimate game of the tourney on Saturday, July 27, at 4:00 pm.
The Scores:
Philippines 91 – Pontejos 17, Hayes 14, Bernardino 12, Castro 11, Miranda 9, Bautista 8, Jose 6, Animam 4, Claro 3, Bade 3, Cabinbin 2, Hawkins 2.
Chinese-Taipei Blue 99 – Huang F 23, Pang 21, Tsai 17, Huang H 10, Lin 9, Wang 8, Pan 5, Wu 3, Wei 3, Chen 0.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 41-43, 67-63, 82-82, 99-91.
