GILAS Pilipinas Women got hammered by Australia, 115-39, on Sunday at the start of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China.
The Opals showed why they are the No. 2 team in the world, their mix of youth and experience proving too much for the Gilas Women in a 76-point win to open Group A play.
No rest for Gilas Women
The Philippines will have little time to regroup after the beating as it goes up against world-ranked Japan on Monday. Japan defeated Lebanon, 72-68, to open hostilities in Group A earlier in the day.
Gilas Women is aiming to stay in Division A of the tournament by finishing at least seventh among the eight teams ahead of the country’s hosting of the tournament in 2027.
Vanessa De Jesus was the closest among the Gilas Women to score in double digits with nine points, while Kent Pastrana and Naomi Panganiban each had eight for the Philippines.
Jack Animam could only come up with two points and five rebounds against a much-taller Australia side.
Miela Goodchild finished with 19 points, while Sara Blicavs had 17 points and six rebounds. Chloe Bibby added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Opals, the third placers in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup two years ago.
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