Gilas Pilipinas Women will once again meet two familiar teams in the upcoming 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
The Philippines was slotted in a tough Group B along with China, Australia, and Chinese-Taipei for the continental meet set to take place from September 27-October 3 in Amman, Jordan.
There will be no rest for Gilas as they take on China on the 27th, Australia on the 28th, and Chinese-Taipei on the 29th. The top three teams in the group will advance to the knockout playoffs while the bottom-placed teams in the two pools will figure in a battle for the seventh slot.
Gilas have faced both China and Australia in the 2019 edition of the tournament but were given tough losses.
The Philippines were handed a 123-57 loss by the Opals back on September 24, 2019. During the next day, China dealt the Filipinas a 104-57 defeat.
The last time the Filipinas met Chinese-Taipei was back on July 28, 2017 that saw the latter take an 87-53 win.
The other bracket will be composed of defending champion Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and India.
Thirteen players will compose Gilas Women’s pool, headlined by Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado, Snow Penaranda, and Andrea Tongco.
Completing the squad are young guns Ella Fajardo, Ann Pingol, Kristine Cayabyab, and Camille Clarin.
The team is expected to enter their training bubble either at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna or Summit Point Golf Course in Batangas on Monday.