Gilas Pilipinas Women’s campaign in the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup got off to a tough start after suffering losses to two European powerhouses.
The Philippines absorbed a 21-4 loss to France and a 19-9 defeat to Italy in Pool A on Tuesday at Hongshan Riverfront Park in Wuhan, China.
Gilas dropped to the bottom of the pool standings, with France leading the way with a perfect 2-0 record. China, Egypt, and Italy are all 1-1, with China and Egypt each scoring 37 points compared to Italy’s 33.
France proved too overpowering for the Filipinas, racing to an 8-3 lead and never looking back.
Elaine Patio scored the Philippines’ final basket with 3:54 remaining before France closed the game with a 9-0 run, capped by an Ilona Hattab basket with 58 seconds left.
Marielle Vingno scored two points in the contest, while Patio and Louna Ozar added a point apiece.
Against Italy, the Filipinas stayed within striking distance, trailing just 9-6 with three minutes remaining before foul trouble proved costly.
With the Philippines’ defense breaking down, Virginia Tempia and Daba Diakhoumpa took advantage, combining for a 6-0 run to pull Italy away.
Patio led the Philippines with four points, while Ozar and Vingno added two apiece. Jam Meniano chipped in a point in the defeat.
The Philippines will face Egypt and China on Thursday.
