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.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
