Gilas Pilipinas Women’s rally fell short, resulting in an 83-85 defeat at the hands of Japan’s Universiade team on Monday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Philippines, which trailed significantly in the first half before gaining momentum in the second half.
The tried and tested tandem of Afril Bernardino and Jack Animam powered Gilas’ rally, with Bernardino tallying 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, and six steals.
Animam added 20 points and seven rebounds.
Also providing added firepower for the Philippines were Khate Castillo and Naomi Panganiban, both scoring 12 points apiece.
Castillo was particularly effective from deep, hitting four triples.
The Philippines fell to a 1-2 record, with Chinese-Taipei Blue taking on Malaysia and Chinese-Taipei White facing Thailand later in the day.
Gilas Women will next face Thailand on Tuesday.
Yuka Fujisawa and Takako Sato led Japan with 13 points each.
Japan knocked down 12 treys in the game compared to nine for Gilas.
The Scores:
Japan Universaide 85 – Fujisawa 13, Sato 13, Yamamoto 11, Yamada 10, Azusa 10, Tateyama7, Awatani 7, Kinoshita 6, Owaki 5, Sasaka 3, Segawa 0, Miyahiro 0.
Philippines 83 – Bernardino 21, Animam 20, Castillo 12, Panganiban 12, Pontejos 9, Ramos 5, Berberabe 2, Bobadilla 2, Yumil 0, Pagdulagan 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 48-37, 66-64, 85-83.
