Jack Animam and Afril Bernardo shone brightly in Gilas Pilipinas’ 68-58 win over Thailand, leading the way to a rebound win with just a day left in the 43rd William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium, New Taipei City.
Veteran Jack Animam delivered her usual strong performance, dominating the boards with 21 rebounds. She also finished with 10 points, helping even the Philippines’ record to 2-2.
Afril Bernardino did not need to do the heavy lifting in this win, adding five points and 17 rebounds.
Overall, Gilas grabbed an impressive 63 rebounds – 30 of which came from the offensive end.
The young guns also stepped up for the Philippines in the crucial victory.
Naomi Panganiban and Camille Nolasco scored nine points each in the victory
Gabby Ramos contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Louna Ozar, Nolasco’s teammate at UP, chipped in seven points.
With the young players stepping up, the Philippines went on a huge third-quarter run, scoring 23 points while limiting Thailand to just 14, gaining a 50-38 lead — a cushion they would not relinquish.
Gilas still have Chinese-Taipei Blue on their schedule for Thursday.
However, a win by Japan’s Universiade team over Malaysia later in the day dimmed the Philippines’ gold medal hopes.
Thailand, which fell to 2-2 as well, was led by the 18 points of Sasiporn Wongtapha.
The Scores:
Philippines 68 – Animam 10, Panganiban 9, Nolasco 9, Ramos 8, Ozar 7, Castillo 6, Pontejos 6, Bernardino 5, Berberabe 5, Yumul 3, Burgonio 0, Bobadilla 0.
Thailand 58 – Wongtapha 18, Kunchuan 12, Thuamon 10, Bunsinprom 9, Prajuapsook 7, Phetnin 2, Thongdaeng 0, Sriharaksa 0, Rengrew 0, Dangdee 0, Kueakun 0, Patthanauckkaranon 0.
Quarterscores: 17-8, 27-24, 50-38, 68-58.
