Gilas Pilipinas Women were overwhelmed by world no. 7 China to open their 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A campaign, falling 52-143, Monday evening at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.
It is the worst outing the Filipinas had against China in three tries.
Freshly-promoted to Division A in 2017, the Philippines lost to China by 74-points, 43-117. Two years later, it fell to China once more, this time via a smaller 47-point margin, 57-104.
But unlike those times, Gilas Women had limited practice time due to the ongoing pandemic in the Philippines.
“First of all, it’s about the preparation. China has been always there and they are coming off the Olympics. And us right now, we just practiced like a month ago,” said Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino. “It’s really a big difference.
“Aside from that, a lot of struggles and turnovers for us. Hopefully, in the next game, we’ll do better,” he continued.
Size proved to be the difference early on as Gilas Women could not contain China early, figuring in foul trouble early.
Though a Camille Clarin triple cut China’s lead down to seven, 15-22, with 3:46 left, China responded with a 13-2 blast for a double digit lead that it would not relinquish.
The most dominant quarter China had was during the third canto that saw Gilas only score nine points while allowing 39 points.
Clare Castro, the sole center of Gilas, fouled out with 6:15 left in the game. She only had one rebound in the contest.
Gilas was outrebounded 55-23 as China scored 68 points inside the paint.
Afril Bernardino was the sole player to score in double digits for the Philippines. She had 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
“Afril just had cramps. I hope that the condition and the way we go about our next game will be fine,” said Aquino as Bernardino was brought out of the game with 3:14 left.
All Chinese players scored in the contest with Yang Liwei tallying 21 points, five assists, and five steals.
Li Yueru also had 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Gilas Women will next face Australia on Wednesday at 12:00 MN.
The Scores:
Philippines 52 –– Bernardino 17, Pontejos 7, Prado 6, Fajardo 6, Nabalan 5, Castro 5, Castillo 3, Clarin 3, Cabinbin 0, Tongco 0, Pingol 0, Cayabyab 0.
China 143 — Yang L 21, Li YR 18, Han 17, Li Y 13, Zhang 13, Li YF 13, Yang H 11, Wang 10, Huang 9, Pan 9, Wu 7.
Quarterscores: 17-35, 29-69, 38-108, 52-143.
