Gilas Pilipinas Women bounced back in the 2024 William Jones Cup, securing a 73-63 win over Harimau Malaysia on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Coming off a 73-60 loss to Chinese Taipei’s Team B on Saturday, the Philippines evened its slate to 1-1 in the six-team tournament.
Afril Bernardino led Gilas with 13 points, six steals, and six rebounds.
Jack Animam complemented Bernardino with 10 points and nine boards.
Behind this duo, Gilas came out strong in the third quarter, turning a 34-27 lead into a 58-41 cushion, from which the Malaysians could not recover.
The young guns of Gilas also stepped up, with 18-year-olds Gabby Ramos and Naomi Panganiban combining for 15 points, and Ramos grabbing nine rebounds.
Nineteen-year-old Kristan Yumil chipped in with six points as well.
On Day 3 of the tournament, the Philippines will face an all-university selection of Japan.
Destiny Samuel led the 0-2 Malaysia with 21 points and nine rebounds.
The Scores:
Philippines 74 – Bernardino 13, Animam 10, Pontejos 8, Ramos 8, Panganiban 7, Yumul 6, Berberabe 5, Pagdulugan 4, Castillo 3, Bobadilla 2, Burgonio 0.
Harimau 63 – Samuel 21, Tan 16, Chong 14, Yap 5, Hiew 3, Saw 2, Chuang 2, Ting 0, Chia 0, Low 0, Kalaimathi 0, Ting 0, Foo 0.
Quarterscores: 19-12, 34-27, 58-41, 74-63.
