Gilas Pilipinas Women’s were overwhelmed by the talent-rich Australia Opals to open their Group B campaign in the 2019 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, falling 57-123, Tuesday afternoon at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in India.
The Opals had a 29-9 start, showing how strong their program is for the region.
Australia led by as much as 60 points in the contest late in the final quarter.
The Patrick Aquino-mentored squad had two players score in double-digits in Gemma Miranda and Afril Bernardino. Miranda had 17 points in the game on 6-of-9 shooting, while Bernardino scattered 15 points, four rebounds, and an assist.
However, the Australians were just too much. The Opals shot 62.3-percent from the inside, had a 70-19 edge in the rebounding department, while having 76 bench points.
Moreover, Australia had eight players score in double-figures. Ezi Magbegor scoring 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, while Jenna O’Hea had 17 markers.
Australia has seven players who have WNBA experience.
Gilas Women’s looks to bounce back from this defeat as they face China on Wednesday at 8:15 pm.
The Scores:
Philippines 57 — Miranda 17, Bernardino 15, Hayes 9, Castillo 6, Tongco 3, Cabinbin 2, Jose 2, Animam 2, Chan 1, Pontejos 0, Nabalan 0, Daez 0.
Australia 123 –– Magbegor 18, O’Hea 17, Allen 11, George 11, Bishop 11, Blicavs 11, Talbot 11, Nicholson 10, Seekamp 9, Garbin 6, Mitchell 5, Ebzery 3.
Quarterscores: 16-38, 34-61, 40-86, 57-123.
