GILAS Pilipinas women’s campaign at the 42nd William Jones Cup started on the wrong foot as they fell to Chinese Taipei A, 89-85, at the Taipei Peace Basketball Hall Saturday night.
Gilas Pilipinas Women vs Chinese Taipei B Jones Cup recap
The comeback fell short for Gilas as untimely miscues doomed their bid against the home team after battling back from a double-digit deficit early.
Janine Pontejos led Gilas in the losing effort with 19 points.
The Philippine ballers will look to rebound against Iran on Sunday.
Chinese Taipei B started off strong as they zoomed to a 13-point lead at the end of the opening salvo, 30-17.
Though Gilas clawed back to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, Chinese Taipei got hot anew in the clutch.
A turnover coming from a timeout with 27 ticks left doomed Gilas. At that point, the Philippines was still within striking distance, 83-87.
But Afril Bernardino inbound meant for Jack Animam was intercepted which forced the Gilas women to foul.
Chinese Taipei sank their foul shots to seal the game.
Chen Yen-Yu, who got the game winning steal and free throws, top scored for Chinese Taipei with 20 markers.
Over on the Philippines side, a bright spot was a stellar performance for debuting Kacey Dela Rosa who finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 boards.
Fil-Am Malia Bambrick had a quiet first showing for the national team with two points.
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