Naomi Panganiban’s debut with Gilas Pilipinas Women was spoiled by Chinese-Taipei B, who secured a 73-60 victory to kick off the 43rd William Jones Cup on Saturday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Panganiban, the 18-year-old Filipino-American guard who guided Gilas Girls to Division A just a week ago in China, led her team with 16 points, shooting 4-of-10 from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
However, her efforts weren’t enough to thwart the balanced attack from the hosts.
Chinese-Taipei, already leading 33-26 at halftime, unleashed a barrage of three-pointers in the third quarter to extend their lead to 10 points.
Despite several comeback attempts by the Philippines, the Taiwanese held firm, securing a 13-point victory.
Afril Bernardino contributed 14 points for Gilas, while Jack Animam added 10 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Also making their senior team debuts were Kate Bobadilla (4 points, 4 rebounds), Gabby Ramos (2 points, 2 rebounds), Cielo Pagdulagan, and Camille Nolasco.
Gilas will next face Malaysian club Harimau Malaysia on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, Thailand edged out the Malaysian club with a 62-59 victory.
Every player fielded by Chinese-Taipei in the contest scored in double digits.
Chen Yuchieh scored 13 points with two three-pointers, while Lin Yushu added 10 points, also with a pair of triples.
Overall, the Taiwanese connected on 13 three-pointers compared to just three for the Filipinas.
Also competing in the tournament are Chinese-Taipei’s A-team and Japan.
The Scores:
Chinese-Taipei 73 – Chen 13, Lin Y 10, Huang F.S. 8, Lin YH 6, Lin X. 6, Huang P 5, Huang R 5, Hou Z. 5, Wang L.T. 5, Zhang JW 5, Hou 4, Yang 4, Huang . 3, Lin YS 1.
Philippines 60 – Panganiban 16, Bernardino 14, Animam 10, Pontejos 6, Castillo 5, Bobadilla 4, Ramos 2, Berberabe 2, Pagdulagan 1, Ozar 0, Burgonio 0, Nolasco 0.
Quarterscores: 16-15, 33-26, 51-43, 73-60.
