The Philippine team showed significant improvement against the defending champs.
A day after suffering a 71-point beatdown at the hands of Australia in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, it looked like a different Gilas Pilipinas Women squad out there who played against defending champions Japan at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
While the Philippines still lost convincingly on Tuesday, 95-57, the team’s improved play against top opposition provided the Pat Aquino-mentored squad something to hold onto as it prepares to face Chinese Taipei.
“I’m happy we came out good this time. Not as flat as yesterday,” Aquino told the media in the postgame presser.
“It’s a tough team to beat. [Japan] is aiming for its sixth straight FIBA Asia Championship. But I’m happy with the game. Hopefully we continue to get stronger,” he added.
The adjustments were there. The much-improved effort from the Filipino side resulted in a bounce-back game from some of Gilas’ mainstays.
After her forgettable showing against Australia, Jack Animam tallied 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Afril Bernardino led all scorers with 12 points and grabbed 8 boards, too. Team captain Janine Pontejos also had a better game as she finished with 11 points including three triples.
“We did some adjustments playing defense on them. But again, [Japan] is a great team. But I think we did a good adjustment today [compared to] yesterday,” the Filipino tactician explained.
The five-time reigning champs were just too much for Animam and company. Even Gilas’ naturalized player Vanessa De Jesus wasn’t able to replicate her scorching performance against the Opals in the opener. The Duke Blue Devils star ended up with 12 points on 33.3% shooting as she was hounded all game long by Japanese spitfire guard Mai Yamamoto, who herself scored 15 markers.
In the end, Gilas may have set itself up for its best showing in the tournament yet against Chinese-Taipei. The Filipina hoopers looked more comfortable against Japan. They were more decisive and they weren’t intimidated at all.
“We’ll watch the game and then prepare for Chinese-Taipei. I think this game will be more competitive. And hopefully, we come out victorious,” Coach Pat said.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the ladies of Gilas Pilipinas will be fighting to remain in the semifinals hunt. Should Gilas drop another one to their Taiwanese counterparts, the Philippine contingent will play a 7th and 8th place classification match, with the loser being relegated to FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Group B.
Catch the game live at 11:30 a.m. on One Sports+.
(GM)