The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team simply had no answer against the mighty Australian Boomers as they began their campaign at the FIBA Asia Cup at Shenzhen, China last night, July 13.
Simply Had No Match Against the Opals
To begin their Group B elimination stage, the Philippines had to play against the FIBA world ranked no. 2 Australia.
And the result was pretty much one sided, as the Australians made a demolition job against the Filipinas. But hey at least Gilas started out strong.
Vanessa de Jesus provided a much-needed spark for the Philippines, scoring the team’s first 5 points to end the early drought. Her efforts jumpstarted a 9-2 run, capped by a Naomi Panganiban basket that brought Gilas Women within five, 14-9, with 5:44 remaining in the first quarter.
But that would be the last significant push from the Filipinas, as the World No. 2 Opals responded with a dominant 17-5 run to close the period and take full control of the game.
However, the Aussies swiftly wrested back control and closed the first quarter with a dominant 31-14 advantage.
From that point on, it was all Australia. Utilizing their cohesion, experience, and clear height advantage, the Opals steadily pulled away, eventually building the lead to as many as 76 points which was the game’s widest margin.
Final Score: 115-39
Miela Goodchild led the Opals with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting. Sara Blicavs had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Chloe Bibby added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Opals.
Australia, the reigning FIBA Women’s Asia Cup bronze medalists, is fielding a revamped lineup in this year’s tournament, retaining only one player from their 2023 squad.
Gilas struggled to find any rhythm on offense or make key defensive stops, failing to mount any meaningful comeback against the dominant Australian side.
Here are the statistics of the players from Gilas:
- Vanessa De Jesus – 9 points, 3 rebounds and an assist
- Kent Pastrana – 8 points (3-of-14 FG shooting), a rebound and an assist
- Naomi Panganiban – 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
- Khate Castillo – 6 points, 2 assists
- Jack Animam – 2 points (1-of-11 FG shooting), 5 rebounds, 2 steals
- Louna Ozar – 2 points, a rebound and a steal
- Angelica Surada – 2 points, 2 rebounds and an assist
- Sumayah Sugapong – 2 points
Up Next: Akatsuki Five of Japan
Despite the tough defeat, the Philippines remains focused as they try to live by their mantra of #WeBelong as they play the No. 9 Japan on Monday, July 14 at 7:30 PM.
Gilas are in desperation mode now as winning versus the Akatsuki Five would mean that their playoff hopes are still alive.
Though it’s easier said than done as Japan just beat Lebanon, 72-68.
Gilas Women is also aiming to stay in Division A of the tournament by finishing at least 7th among the 8 teams ahead of the country’s hosting of the tournament in 2027.
