Kacey dela Rosa delivered her best performance in a FIBA-sanctioned game on Sunday evening (Manila time).
Still, it wasn’t enough to keep Gilas Pilipinas Women’s World Cup dream alive.
South Korea, long a formidable foil for the national team, dashed the Philippines’ hopes of securing a ticket to the global stage in Berlin, winning 105-74 at Astroballe in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
Dela Rosa, the multiple-time UAAP MVP, tallied 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting, adding nine rebounds and three blocks.
(C) FIBA
However, Korea’s firepower proved overwhelming, as the team sank 19 triples in the contest.
In the first quarter alone, Korea made six three-pointers, with Lee Sohee and Kang Leeseul combining for four, giving their side a 28-17 lead after 10 minutes.
The hot shooting continued throughout the game, with the Koreans leading 55-33 at halftime and 80-50 entering the final quarter.
At one point, Korea’s lead swelled to 35 points, securing their advance to the World Cup with a 3-1 record in Tournament D.
Also advancing is host France, which improved to 3-0 and was set to face Nigeria as of publishing time.
The Philippines, which also lost to France, Germany, and Nigeria, will face Colombia on Tuesday in a bid to salvage a win.
(C) FIBA
Aside from Dela Rosa, Janine Pontejos was the only other Gilas player to score in double digits, contributing 13 points.
Kent Pastrana went just 2-of-11 from the field for eight points, Sumayah Sugapong was held to six points, and Afril Bernardino went 0-of-5 for two points.
For Korea, Kang finished with 24 points on eight triples, while Lee Haeren and Choi Isaem added 15 points each.
The Scores:
Korea 105 – Kang J 24, Choi 15, Lee H. 15, Park JH 11, Heo 11, Park JS 10, Lee S 6, Jin 4, Kang Y 3, Park S 3, An 1.
Philippines 74 – Dela Rosa 26, Pontejos 13, Pastrana 8, Berberabe 7, Sugapong 6, Ozar 4, Dignadice 4, Heyn 2, Surada 2, Bernardino 2, Pingol 0, Guytingco 0.
Quarterscores: 28-17, 55-33, 80-50, 105-74.
