For the second straight FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women will take on India in their final assignment.
But unlike in 2019, a lot will be at stake in the contest that will take place on Thursday at 12:00 MN (Manila time). This time around, the loser of the Philippines-India tilt will drop to Division B.
“We have to win. That’s the main point,” said Gilas Women head coach Patrick Aquino.
“The target is to remain in Division A.”
Back in 2019 in Bangalore, Gilas defeated India to salvage seventh place, 92-78.
Back then, though, Aquino had a steady frontline with Jack Animam, Eunique Chan, Danica Jose, and Kelli Hayes.
Now, 6-foot-4 Clare Castro is the only legit big man the team has.
Photo by FIBA.basketball
Though India no longer has 6-foot-1 Anmolpreet Kaur and 6-foot-2 Rajapriyadharshini Rajaganapathi, the team increased its length on the wings with only one player standing below 5-foot-7.
Also returning for India are Stephy Nixon, Shruthi Arvind, Navaneetha Pattemane Udayakumar, and Shireen Limaye.
“This will be very tough. I think India brought some tall players this time, and I brought some small players this time also,” quipped Aquino.
It’s do-or-die time once again for Gilas as it does not want to return to Division B – a place it has not been in since 2015.
And Aquino is just hoping that the last three days were just a build-up for a strong finish for his wards.
“It’s a matter of execution and adjustment come the game.
“I think the players that we brought in have already experienced how to play here and maybe they’ll bring their A-game,” he hopes.
